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

  • Zoofari:  Friday, June 13, 2025

Friends of the Louisville Zoo Board

(updated Feb, 24, 2024)

Officers

  • Robin Raypole (President), Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company of Kentucky
  • Liz Pratt (President Elect), LG&E and KU
  • Jesse Bray (Vice President), JLL
  • Amy Gumlaw (Treasurer), Zeon Chemicals
  • Courtney Graham (General Counsel), Strause Law Group, PLLC

Members

  • Debbie Beavin, Community Volunteer
  • Nick Beavin, MCM
  • Amanda Bray, Primrose School
  • Amanda Biven, Brown-Forman
  • Nacetia Burke, University of Louisville
  • Rachel Casey, Louisville Metro Government
  • Patrice McGee Combs,  Kentucky Select Properties
  • Laura Clark, KCC Manufacturing
  • Dr. Rasean Crawley, Rx Benevits
  • Dr. Jennifer Foreman, University of Louisville
  • Kelly Gerstle, Humana Inc.
  • Maggie Goff, Yum Brands, Inc.
  • Michael Harrell – Jefferson County
  • Rachel Hoskins, Hogan Lovells
  • Michael Kimble, Forvis
  • Christina King, St. Xavier High School
  • Kristin Knight, Community Volunteer
  • Sharron Kremer, United Parcel Service
  • Tori Macke, Mercer
  •  Elisha Moore, Bob Hook Chevrolet
  • Mikala Noe, Riley McGuire Partners LLC
  • Wesley Pagles,  LOGS Legal Group
  • N’Namdi Paskins, Humana Inc.
  • Stephanie Peeler, Independence Bank
  • Elizabeth Riesser, University of Louisville
  • Woo Smith, Terracon
  • Natalie Tracy,University of Louisville
  • Phil Thompson, Papa Johns International
  • Tara Ward, Tara A. Fein LLC
  • Matthew Whisman, Jefferson County
  • Anthony Willinger, Monroe Shine & Co., Inc.
  • Eiman Zuberi,  LG&E and KU