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Friday, November 7, 2025

State-funded Nonprofit Spotlight: Chicago Zoological Society

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Chicago Zoological Society on Google Map | Google Maps

Chicago Zoological Society on Google Map | Google Maps

Chicago Zoological Society, a tax-exempt nonprofit that receives significant public funding to perform services also offered by the state, was approved to receive two grants totaling $60,000,000 in FY2024, according to passed legislation data extracted from the Illinois General Assembly’s FY2024 budget (Public Act 102-6 0698).

The listed appropriations included grants of $40,000,000 and $20,000,000 if two, each designated for programs or services funded by the State of Illinois.

These appropriations represent state-level funding authorized by lawmakers, reflecting what was approved in the budget, not necessarily disbursed. The funds cover only State of Illinois support and exclude federal, local, or other public sources.

Founded in 1921, Chicago Zoological Society states that its mission is: “To inspire conservation leadership by connecting people and communities with wildlife and nature.”

You can learn more about the organization at its website.

In its most recent IRS Form 990 filing filing for tax year 2024, the organization reported $94,260,100 in total revenue. Of that, $29,200,500 came from government grants including federal, state, or local sources, making up 31% of total revenue.

The nonprofit listed $54,102,300 in contributions overall. It also reported $1,060,750 in non-cash contributions, such as donated goods or services, and $22,708,100 categorized under other contributions, which may include restricted donations, pledges, or bequests.

At the beginning of 2024, Chicago Zoological Society had $226,030,000 in assets. By the end of 2024, that figure had changed to $265,240,000, indicating a 17.3% growth in overall holdings.

According to its filing, public funding to Chicago Zoological Society surged in the last year. The group received $15,407,600 in government grants in 2023, compared to $29,200,500 in 2024—an increase of 89.5% year-over-year.

However, a Chicago City Wire analysis found that IRS filings frequently contain discrepancies when compared with publicly disclosed government grant reports and budgets.

Chicago Zoological Society is one of hundreds of nonprofits across Illinois that receive substantial support from state taxpayers while also fundraising privately.

In 2025, Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1266, also known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Act. The proposal would create a new oversight body within the Office of the Auditor General tasked with identifying cost-saving measures, reviewing agency performance, and advising on audit priorities. If passed, DOGE could bring additional scrutiny and performance evaluation to taxpayer-funded organizations.

According to ProPublica, Illinois has more than 78,000 active tax-exempt organizations, including nearly 60,000 classified as charitable nonprofits. In their most recent IRS filings, these groups reported a combined revenue exceeding $156 billion.

State of Illinois Approved Grants to Chicago Zoological Society
Fiscal YearTotal Grants/ContractsTotal Taxpayer $$
20242$60,000,000
Chicago Zoological Society 990 Filing – Key Officers
TermNameTitle
2024-2024Amy BestTrustee 11/23-3/24
2024-2024Barbara Levy KipperTrustee
2024-2024Barbara J BradfordTrustee
2024-2024Barbara GraysonTrustee
2024-2024Benita S RomanoTrustee
2024-2024Bert A GetzVice-Chair Of The Board
2024-2024Bonny ChenTrustee
2024-2024Cathleen BrueggemannSr. Vp Development
2024-2024Cherryl T ThomasChair Of The Board
2024-2024Darius A GillTrustee
2024-2024David E BurnsChief Financial And Admin. Officer
2024-2024Edward Mccormick BlairTrustee
2024-2024Elizabeth Hamill BramsenVice-Chair Of The Board
2024-2024Elizabeth S QuinnTrustee As Of 4/23
2024-2024Gregory J DidomenicoTrustee
2024-2024Heather BilcerVp Finance
2024-2024Heidi HuizengaTrustee
2024-2024James A BryanTrustee
2024-2024Jay D BergmanTrustee
2024-2024Jennifer L BaaderSr. Vp Govt Affairscommunity Pgms
2024-2024Jennifer L BelliniTrustee
2024-2024Jerome E JohnstonVp Guest Services Operations
2024-2024Jerry ManneTrustee
2024-2024John A CarpenterTrustee
2024-2024John P GrubeVice-Chair Of The Board
2024-2024Joseph A GregoireTrustee
2024-2024Jr DavisTrustee
2024-2024Kathryn Babcock ShafferVice Chair Thru 12/23
2024-2024Kelley C SchuelerTrustee
2024-2024Kevin M KeeleyTrustee
2024-2024Kevin M KillipsTrustee
2024-2024Kristi WeaverTrustee Thru 12/23
2024-2024Leah RippeVp Marketing Communications
2024-2024Lisa C FreemanTrustee
2024-2024Mark G SanderTrustee
2024-2024Mary A CroninMaster Planning Coordinator
2024-2024Melissa LewkowichVp Risk Facilities Mgmt
2024-2024Merrick M ElfmanVice-Chair Of The Board
2024-2024Michael G CanningTrustee
2024-2024Michael P EmmertTreasurer
2024-2024Michael DraiTrustee As Of 9/23
2024-2024Michael AdkessonPresident And Ceo
2024-2024Michael J AdkessonPresident And Ceo
2024-2024Michael F DesantiagoTrustee
2024-2024Molly KellerTrustee
2024-2024Patrick E WhitesideTrustee
2024-2024Randall G VickerySecretary
2024-2024Rita Sola CookTrustee
2024-2024Sandra L DornheckerSr. Vp Human Resources
2024-2024Sasha L GerritsonTrustee
2024-2024Sathya K ChinnaduraiSr. Vp Animal Health Welfare
2024-2024Stuart D StrahlTrustee
2024-2024Stuart B AbelsonTrustee
2024-2024Tim OzingaTrustee As Of 11/23
2024-2024Toni PreckwinkleTrustee
2024-2024Veronica GomezTrustee Thru 11/23
2024-2024Walter W BeckyTrustee
2024-2024William C KunklerDeputy Chair Of The Board
Chicago Zoological Society Employee Roster (Most Recent Year Available)
YearNameTitleCompensation
2024Agnes KovacsManager-
2024Allison DavisDirector, Compensation And Benefits-
2024Alyson Noel JackAssistant Manager-
2024Alyssa Gail MartinGuest Services At Chicago Zoological Society And Brookfield Zoo-
2024Andrew N CopelandInterpretive Programs Manager At Chicago Zoological Society And Brookfield Zoo-
2024Andrew MurashigeLead Designer-
2024Brittany Katherine RzepkaMarketing Events Assistant-
2024Christopher McguirePhotographer-
2024Christopher P JabinSenior Vice President-
2024Christy Ann Mazrimas-OttZookeeper-
2024Colin A BorckDirector Of Donor Society Clubs And Major Gift Officer-
2024Collin Randall WhiteSummer Camp Counselor-
2024Cynthia Walker ZeiglerChief Advancement Officer-
2024Dan WhartonSenior Vice President Emeritus, Conservation Science-
2024Darrel E ReeseSenior Graphic Designer-
2024David BurnsSenior Vice President, Finance-
2024Diane DunlapHorticulturist-
2024Donna BrozPlay Programs Facilitator-
2024Dorothy RatkowskiInternal Auditor-
2024Elizabeth Patti MillerSenior Keeper-
2024Gary W BarronFood Service Warehouse And Receiving Manager-
2024Glenn B BrackenAssistant Sous Chef-
2024Jake StoufferOperations Manager Food Service-
2024Jeanette L VasquezUnit Supervisor-
2024Jerry F LuebkeSenior Manager, Audience Research At Chicago Zoological Society And Brookfield Zoo-
2024Joan D TantilloCurator Of Mammals-
2024Joe G WoodruffSenior Keeper-
2024John A KanziaEnvironmental Quality Manager-
2024John Christopher MerrellAssistant Manager-
2024John V MatuszekZoo Keeper-
2024Kaukab NadeemAdministrative And Human Resources-
2024Kevin M MitchellDocent-
2024Laurell C MccaskillBartender-
2024Maggie J StaceyCurator Of Marine Mammals-
2024Mark E HerbertLead Keeper, Herps And Aquatics-
2024Mark D GonkaLead Keeper-
2024Matthew R DesalvoProgram Evaluation Specialist-
2024Matthew John MccormickSenior System Administrator And Network Engineer At Brookfield Zoo-
2024Melissa L BlankSenior Recruiter-
2024Minelia HermsdorfKeeper-
2024Patricia M WashingtonAssistant Manager-
2024Renata AllelujkaExecutive Assistant To The President-
2024Ryan Matthew CampbellPark Safety Officer-
2024Sada T ChesterGuest Services-
2024Samantha L Stanton-
2024Scott Wayne RyanManager Of Facilities-
2024Sean SullivanSeasonal Assistant Manager-
2024Stacie L GodshallSenior Accounts Payable Clerk-
2024Stephanie LeeKeeper Aide-
2024Stephen E StareZookeeper-
2024Stuart D StrahlChief Technology Officer-
2024Thomas MeehanVice President Of Veterinary Services-
2024Timothy R ChromzackManager Of Custodial Services-
2024Ursula J BenderManager, Off Site Channel Marketing And Brand Manager-
2024Violet M ArnoldVolunteer-
2024Ydalia Monique NewsomGuest Services Associate-
2020Robert AresExecutive Chef-
2019Cristina Marie CuhelSeasonal Marine Mammal Keeper-
2019John BihunHamill Family Zoo - Play Partner And Keeper-
2019Meagan Elizabeth LivergoodDirector Of Development Finances And Operations And Services-
2018Michael W StecAnimal Welfare Research Assistant-
2018Michelle MartinezCamp And Special Programs Counselor-
2017Cheri L ChavezExecutive Assistant, Chicago Zoological Society And Brookfield Zoo-
2017Christopher H BuxtonBartender-
2017David Paul WilsonEvents Catering-
2017Jo-Elle MogermanSenior Vice President-Conservation, Education And Community Affairs-
2017Laura A ReillyExecutive Assistant, Dr George Rabb, President Emeritus-
2017Michelle GreenfieldSarasota Dolphin Research Program Intern-
2017Rachel Christine NowickiGuest Services Associate And Artist-
2017Roosevelt Eugene Long JrCustomer Service Representative-
2016Alex GarciaBanquet Server-
2016Brigette R BurgmanPart Time Marketing Assistant-
2016Chelsea Marie TuttleMotor Safari Guide-
2016Elizabeth CareySupervisor For Naturestart Camp, Sleepover, And Family Programs-
2016John DevreeseResearch Assistant-
2016Martell S HolmanFood Service Worker-
2016Melissa V HuiJunior Human Resources Information Systems Analyst-
2016Michael OwensCommunity Program Assistant-
2016Radhika H MiragliaInterpretative Plan Project Manager-
2016Samuel BakerProduction Artist-
2016Sarah A AndersonEnvironmental Quality Intern-
2016Sharon L WeilExecutive Committee Member-
2016Willi FryKamans Contract Manager-
2015Alison MelandDevelopment And Special Events Intern-
2015Amy Marie MccoyLibrary And Archives Intern-
2015Andrea RodriguezOaks Caf� Crew Member-
2015Barbara MatuchAdministrative Assistant-
2015Bethany Danielle FarreySenior Animal Keeper-
2015Bob DulskiDirector Of Information Services-
2015Brittany A WaryjasCamp And Overnight Program Lead-
2015Bryan M StajuraSection Supervisor-
2015Celia S Hurt-ValdezAdmissions Associate-
2015Elizabeth O ColeSeasonal Zookeeper-
2015Emily WylerResearch Assistant And Intern, Audience Research-
2015Henry W GarbersSales Manager, Catered Events-
2015Julia EnderleOn-Site Marketing Coordinator-
2015Kaitlynn M SamborskySeasonal Keeper-
2015Katherine Margaret SauerSection Supervisor-
2015Katherine KucharskiSales Manager Of Catered Events-
2015Kevin Alfonso JaquesMotor Safari Driver And Narrator-
2015Mary Donna AlbaneseSupervisor Of Grounds-
2015Michell S ValenzuelaInternal Auditor-
2015Raysson BucknerGuest Services-
2015Ronald ReedSenior Construction Project Manager-
2015Selenia MurilloAudience Research Assistant Ii-
2015Tara De VaulOutreach And Strategic Initiatives Coordinator-
2015Valarie Anna KastrantasAdmissions-
2015Victor O Connell SchultzEnvironmental Quality Intern-
2014Amy Therese DonofrioInterpretive Programs Supervisor-
2014Britta Christina OlsonPrimate Keeper-
2014Christopher Henry KnutsenEnvironmental Quality Intern-
2014Grace M GrubisichMotor Safari Adventure Guide-
2014Katherine Jane BertnessCamp Counselor-
2014Kathryn Therese EdingerSupervisor Of Camps, Overnights, And Family Programs-
2014Kelly D WinsleyTemporary Recruiter Coordinator-
2014Kevin EarleySoftware Architect And Senior Developer-
2014Merve SenalanZookeeper Intern-
2014Richard Mccarthy-
2014Richard Gregory GambleSenior Vice President - Operations-
2014Sheena N HarveyAdmission Associate-
2014Tina M GriffinVolunteer Librarian-
2013Adam HartResearch Assistant-
2013Alexandra Marie PeeraKeeper Intern-
2013Allison KennedyPachyderm House Summer Intern-
2013Allix Jane ReichIntern-
2013Arquita HughesCashier-
2013Brock Rundle MoranEducational Program Intern-
2013Carla ValenzuelaAdmissions-
2013Christina R NewkirkRoving Naturalist-
2013Christopher Michael MyslickiAdmissions Attendant-
2013Elizabeth D KleistProgram Representative-
2013Elizabeth J Diesel-
2013Iesha Y JamesGuest Service-
2013James E Moran-
2013Jordan Christopher JohnsonZookeeping Intern-
2013Larry NelsonMarketing Events Assistant-
2013Lindsay FeltzInterpretive Exhibit Host-
2013Melanie A SkachAdministrative Manager-
2013Michelle Sara Ava SzparaZookeeper Intern-
2013Robin A HarrisSenior Information Systems Support Specialist - Part-Time-
2013Sara Ann BjerklieSeasonal Keeper- Children's Zoo And Hamill Family Play Zoo-
2012Christopher P Psenicka-
2012David R Trujillo-
2012Evan S EmmelVeterinary Research Intern-
2012Jared William SekarSeasonal Zoo Keeper-
2012John Patrick BellahReptile Keeper- Seasonal-
2012Joy Katherine Manthey PeplinskiIntern, Animal Behavior And Endocrinology-
2012Katherine C PlachaResearch Assistant-
2012Kenya Kaneshia BarbaraCrew Member-
2012Maurice J HubbardCustodian-
2012Nathan S HermanConservation Science: Animal Behavior Intern-
2012Rebecca TurciosKing Conservation Scholar's Program-
2012Rebecca Ann BannermanKeeper Intern-
2012Sara PetersCamp Counselor-
2012Stephanie C PumaConservation Leadership Intern-
2011Alex JonesGuest Services Supervisor-
2011Amanda Jeanne MentgenAdmissions Attendant-
2011Elise TraphagenZookeeper-
2011Emily DeweirdtHuman Resources Intern-
2011Gabriel JacobsonMotor Safari Adventure Guide-
2011Jennifer TranServer-
2011Rachel C Harris-
2011Raheem J BlakneyCashier And Maintenance-
2011Rebecca Erin CiotaConservation, Education, And Training Library Intern-
2010Arthur A Kaput-
2010Cara M RuffoRoving Naturalist-
2010Donnetta N WalkerCashier-
2010Douglas Young-
2010Joan E TylerSenior Recruiter-
2010Jon R Winke JrBanquet Server-
2010Kathleen YoungAudience Research Assistant-
2010Keenan Ravon JarrettCook-
2010Latrice A RichardsSpecial Events Manager-
2010Lavon W RobinsonMarketing Events Assistant-
2010Leah WilsonGuest Relations, Tour Guide-
2010Luigi Minniti-
2010Randy Aaron GrossFacility Manager Of Maintenance-
2009Christy Ann Mazrimas-Ott-
2009Daniel Jason SudeikisSales Associate-
2009Dean A Stumbris-
2009Dennis Houdek-
2009Felicia Michelle HuangSecurity-
2009Flores Elise-
2009Matt Gerhardt-
2009Mitsuru ChibaHorticulture Intern-
2009Rachelle L BernsteinCommissary, Customer Services-
2008Dan MurphyManager-Conservation Career Development-
2008Jane E ArvisAssistant Production Artist-
2008Jay S PetersenCurator Of Carnivores And Primates-
2008JEN T WONGMotor Safari Guide-
2008Jennifer M Sanders-
2008Joseph F Lazzara-
2008Joshua M MogermanWeb Projects Manager-
2008Justin SmithInternal Auditor-
2008Kristine LipowskiCommunications Research Assistant-
2008Laddie Havlicek-
2008Lawrence Pulice-
2008Luke J NiemiroGuest Services Supervisor-
2008Megan Suzanne Ziller-
2008Shawn HackettMarketing And Special Events Team-
2008Trent T SantonastasoLaboratory Manager-
2008Walter S PolinskiRoving Naturalist-
2007Jessica Lynn ElkinMarketing Coordinator-
2007Kristopher DudleyGreeter And Salesperson-
2007Mary Ann J GoldensteinSales Manager-
2007Nicole KleinMotor Safari Tour Guide And And Guest Services-
2006Douglas William JarrettZoological Exhibit Specialist-
2006Gregory James DicosolaLead Keeper-
2006Joan E Schueler-
2006Lynette Kay GilbertVideographer-
2005Anthony Marra-
2005Diana L Coleman-
2005Gregory DyeAssociate Curator Of Marine Mammals And Aquariums-
2005Jeanne M Brown-
2005John E CadleCurator Of Herpetology-
2005Kent J SemmenEnvironmental Quality Manager, Water Quality Specialist-
2005Terrence M RothamerSales Manager, Catered Events-
2004Amy WhittResearch Associate-
2004Charles A Quinn-
2004Maria L SadowskiCommunications Specialist-
2004Robin DombeckAssistant Curator Of Education-
2004Thomas Meehan-
2004Tim Slifka-
2003Arturo Balderas JrAssistant General Manager And Sous Chef-
2003Joseph W Rakoczy-
2003Lawrence V Aiardo-
2003Lisa M Walsh-
2003Michael J Gierhahn-
2003Todd Kurecki-
2002Dennis C Grimm-
2002Michael J MannellaSwitchboard And Mailroom-
2001Ann M JarkaManager Of Production-
2001Grisela Rodriguez-
2001John F Medenia-
2001Raul Lopez-
2001Raul Lopez-
2000Michael Anthony GambillFacilities Manager-
2000Phil Deckert-
2000Susan D Dicosola-
1999Rosemarie UlrichSupervisor-
1998Frank Brader-
1998Matthew J HarmanCashier And Clerk-
1998Scott M FletcherZookeeper And Trainer-
1996Chris KellerNutrition Research Intern-
1996Dorothy H Hughes-
1996Douglas W Jarrett-
1995Karen HaasMedia Relations Manager-
1995Sandra Lee Johnson-
1995Timothy Doherty-
1994Gloria Mezera-
1994Johanna Bornhoff-
1994Julie Stamatis-
1994Mary D Allison-
1994Ted A Gatz-
1993Carl Strnad-
1993Janet M Gaffney-
1993Juan M Fuentes-
1993Ricardo P Cortes-
1992Gregory R DelyLife Safety Officer-Safety Director-
1992Joanne M Leveille-
1992Kathleen Gail OrozcoVice President For Development-
1992Kim MooreDirector Of Membership And Share The Care Programs-
1991Lawrence J Mysliwiec-
1991Luigi Cassata-
1991Robert Pankiewicz-
1990Lois Mueller-
1990Randy S Myatt-
1989Carl Daniel Bank-
1988Gatz. Ted-
1988Mary W Macdonald-
1987Jennifer Bezjak-
1987Laura M Alter-
1987Terence W Shereck-
1986Darryl B Wall-
1986Eugene Furthmiller-
1986Jeannie M BakerPublic Relations And Marketing Manager-
1986Miloslav Steininger-
1985Charles Heschl-
1985Gladys Romsa-
1985James G Boldin-
1985Joseph Marvin ErwinCurator Of Primates-
1985Victor G MezeraWarehouse And Shipping And Receiving-
1984Charles Herschl-
1984Joan M Fus-
1983Jennifer A Larson-
1982Cathi Mathias-
1981Casey Carr-
1979Greg J Dely-
1979Zulfije Memedovski-
-Jennifer L BaaderLobbyist-
-Stuart D. StrahlPresident, Ceo, Chicago Zoological Society-
-Timothy M HurdTrustee-

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