News Release
 
Contact: Sandi Dornhecker, Human Resources, 708.688.8334, sandi.dornhecker @czs.org
 
August 10, 2022
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 
Brookfield Zoo Names New Senior Vice President, Development
Kate Brueggemann to Lead Chicago Zoological Society Development Efforts
 

Brookfield, Ill. —  The Chicago Zoological Society, which operates the world-famous Brookfield Zoo, has announced the appointment of Kate Brueggemann as their new Senior Vice President of Development, effective September 15. Her appointment completes an extensive search for a successor to Cindy Zeigler, who led the Society’s philanthropic and development efforts and spearheaded significant changes in the fundraising program over the past 14 years.

“We are absolutely delighted Ms. Brueggemann has accepted this top leadership role within our organization,” said President and CEO, Dr. Mike Adkesson. “Kate has a proven track record of success in the Chicago philanthropic community and has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the teams she has led. She brings a positive energy and passion for our mission and conservation work of the Chicago Zoological Society, as well as an eagerness to commit to the significant, multi-year capital campaign we envision ahead of our centennial celebration in 2034. She is a welcome addition to our team, and we look forward to working together to move the organization into an exciting future.”

“To be chosen as the Senior Vice President of Development of a world-renowned institution of the significance of the Chicago Zoological Society is an absolute honor,” Ms. Brueggemann said. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead their development and philanthropic efforts. Brookfield Zoo has a rich history of success in animal care and conservation. It is one of Chicagoland’s top cultural institutions and touches the lives of millions of people each year. I am excited to join the team and look forward to supporting the work of the Society and building upon its successes.”  

Ms. Brueggemann brings deep experience in fundraising for non-for-profit organizations and cultural institutions, as well as in marketing and communications. She began her fundraising career as the Development Director at the Missouri History Museum in 2011. Since that time, she held the Principal Giving Director position at the Missouri Botanical Garden and, most recently, was the Vice President of Development for the Adler Planetarium.

Kate is a Certified Fundraising Executive and holds a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Missouri. In her new role at Brookfield Zoo, she will oversee efforts to raise mission, capital, and annual funds through individual giving, foundations, grants, corporate gifts, government contributions, special events, the Society’s membership program, and more.

 
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About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by engaging people and communities with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. The zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, and CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.
 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sondra Katzen
Media Relations Manager
Office: 708-688-8351
Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
E-mail: Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org

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