EAST COAST ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY LEGACY OF PROTECTING WILDLIFE

The East Coast Zoological Society (ECZS) began its mission to protect wildlife and their habitats in 1986, first spearheading the effort with community leaders and thousands of volunteers to build Brevard Zoo, which opened in 1994. More than 16,000 people, from business owners and engineers to tradespeople and retirees, contributed their time and talents to build what is now one of the country’s largest independent zoos.

Experience That Makes an Impact

With three decades of experience working passionately for animals, our commitment to nature never wavers, remaining focused on defining the role of a community zoo and responding to nature’s challenges. From ensuring Zoo animals have the very best wellbeing to removing threats of habitat loss and extinction in the environment around us, Brevard Zoo consistently takes the lead on making sure nature, animals and humans successfully thrive together.

Recognized across the nation as a leader in best practices in animal wellness, education, conservation and sustainability, this flagship location of the East Coast Zoological Society is living proof that bold ideas, shared among a community and paired with action, can create extraordinary results.

That’s why ECZS is embarking on a historic campaign to create a second campus to do even more. Addressing the vulnerability of our ecosystem is crucial to not only this region’s future but to the future of the world.

Our Legacy leadership

Capital Campaign
Cabinet

Linda May

Cabinet Co-Chair
President, LMAYCO, Inc.

Jack Mollen

Cabinet Co-Chair
Chairman of the Board of Trustees,
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Lauren Brand

President, National Association of
Waterfront Employees

Scott Deal

Founder of Maverick Boat Group

Beth Gitlin, PH.D.

Principal and Founder,
BJG Global Consulting

Patricia Northey

Elected Volusia County
Council Member

Michael Okaty

Business Lawyer and Managing Partner,
Foley & Lardner LLP

Chris Peterson

President,
Hell's Bay Boatworks

Rick Walsh

Honorary Chair Emeritus Owner,
Knob Hill Group

Michael Cerow

Partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC

Duane De Freese, PH.D.

Executive Director,
Indian River Lagoon Council and
Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Vince Lamb

Chair of Brevard Indian River
Lagoon Coalition

Shelby Norwich

Realtor, Olde Town Brokers

William Penney

President & CEO,
Marine Bank & Trust Company
Vero Beach, FL

Bob Vander Weide

Honorary Chair Emeritus, Philanthropist

Clarence Williams

Senior Government Relations Consultant,
Becker & Poliakoff

philanthropy

Team

Keith Winsten

Executive Director

Photo of Ellen Winter

Ellen Winter, Ph.D.

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Stephanie Mosedale – Director of Philanthropy 

Luke Dumas – Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Becca Cord – Associate Director of Philanthropic Operations

Emma Reynolds – Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Officer

Zach Marchetti – Community Engagement and Outreach Officer

Bri Richards – Corporate Relations Officer

Morgan Miller – Philanthropy Coordinator

Theresa Bannister – Executive Assistant

You are essential to Our Legacy

This campaign is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to accelerate the positive impact of the East Coast Zoological Society’s work through Brevard Zoo and the future Aquarium and Conservation Center.