banner - friends of the ZOO, highlighted Louisville in brown box, Raising Funds to Preserve a Legacy with light tan background color

Friends of the Louisville Zoo

Established in 1969, the Friends of the Louisville Zoo (FOZ) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a mission of “raising funds to protect a legacy.” The 100% volunteer-led Board organizes and hosts two events annually: Zoofari (June) and Brew at the Zoo, and Wine and Food, Too! (August) to support special projects and the enhancement and expansion of the Louisville Zoo.

For over 5o years, the FOZ Board has been comprised of individuals who are passionate about animals and committed to the advancement of the Zoo. Proceeds from their past events have supported projects such as Glacier Run, Gorilla Forest, Snow Leopard Pass, the lakeside bridge and the sloth habitat.

To volunteer at one of their upcoming events, contribute an item for their annual silent auction, or inquire about joining the board, please email FriendsoftheLouisvilleZoo@gmail.com.

Summer Event Series

Friends of the Louisville Zoo Board

(updated Feb. 28, 2023)

Chad Dobbins (President), Logan & Lavelle

Robin Raypole (First VP), Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company of Kentucky

Mikala Noe (Second VP), Riley McGuire Partners LLC

Amy Gumlaw (Third VP), MCM Technology Solutions Group

Amanda Biven (Treasurer), Brown-Forman

Kristin Knight (Secretary), Community Volunteer

Leslie Ballantine, ARGI

Nick Beavin, MCM

Jesse Bray, LDG Development

Grace Brun, PTG Silicones

Laura Clark, KCC Manufacturing

Beth Darrall, Home of the Innocents

Maggie Goff, Yum Brands, Inc.

Courtney Graham, Strause Law Group, PLLC

Rachel Hoskins, Hogan Lovells

Christina John, University of Louisville Physicians

Megan Keane, Dzenitis Newman, PLLC

Christina King, St. Xavier High School

Sharron Kremer, United Parcel Service

Ben Lawson, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Nancy Barrett Loucks, Community Volunteer

Andy Makielski, Meta

Tori Macke, Mercer

Annie Nash, Riley McGuire Partners LLC

Tina Nguyen, Megan Imel State Farm Agency

N’Namdi Paskins, Humana Inc.

Phillip Pearson, McBrayer PLLC

Stephanie Peeler, Independence Bank

Liz Pratt, LG&E and KU

Neil Riley, Riley McGuire Partners LLC

Elizabeth Riesser, University of Louisville

Robin Rogneby, Long John Silvers LLC

Phil Thompson, Papa Johns International

Dana Yurkanin, Papa Johns International

Tara Ward, Tara A. Fein LLC