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 April, 23, 2024)

  • Nick Beavin, MCM
  • Amanda Biven, Brown-Forman
  • Amanda Bray
  • Jesse Bray, LDG Development
  • Rachel Casey
  • Laura Clark, KCC Manufacturing
  • Dr. Rasean Crawley
  • Chad Dobbins, Logan & Lavelle
  • Dr. Jennifer Foreman
  • Kelly Gerstle
  • Maggie Goff, Yum Brands, Inc.
  • Courtney Graham, Strause Law Group, PLLC
  • Amy Gumlaw, MCM Technology Solutions Group
  • Michael Harrell
  • Rachel Hoskins, Hogan Lovells
  • Christina John, University of Louisville Physicians
  • Megan Keane, Dzenitis Newman, PLLC
  • Christina King, St. Xavier High School
  • Kristin Knight, Community Volunteer
  • Sharron Kremer, United Parcel Service
  • Ben Lawson, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
  • Nancy Barrett Loucks, Community Volunteer
  • Tori Macke, Mercer
  • Annie Nash, Riley McGuire Partners LLC
  • Tina Nguyen, Megan Imel State Farm Agency
  • Mikala Noe, Riley McGuire Partners LLC
  • Wesley Pagles
  • N’Namdi Paskins, Humana Inc.
  • Phillip Pearson, McBrayer PLLC
  • Stephanie Peeler, Independence Bank
  • Liz Pratt, LG&E and KU
  • Robin Raypole, Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company of Kentucky
  • Elizabeth Riesser, University of Louisville
  • Neil Riley, Riley McGuire Partners LLC
  • Robin Rogneby, Long John Silvers LLC
  • Amy Shah
  • Natalie Smith
  • Phil Thompson, Papa Johns International
  • Tara Ward, Tara A. Fein LLC
  • Dana Yurkanin, Papa Johns International