Cooper Coleman Recruits Chief Philanthropy Officer for East Coast Zoological Foundation
February 28, 2025 – Following a nationwide search, Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has placed Robyn Ducharme as the chief philanthropy officer of East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF). The search was led by Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “Robyn’s track record of scaling development programs and leading high-performing teams makes her the perfect fit to help ECZF achieve its ambitious expansion goals,” said Mr. Cooper. “Her thoughtful approach to philanthropy and deep understanding of mission-driven organizations will be instrumental as ECZF advances its campaign and deepens its impact on conservation education, animal care, and species survival. The commitment donors and community stakeholders have made to this organization over three decades deserves to be matched with only the best stewardship of their resources. Robyn and her team are poised to deliver on that.”
“Robyn brings a unique blend of strategic vision and heartfelt passion for philanthropy,” said Keith Winston, CEO of the East Coast Zoological Foundation. “Her extensive experience and personal commitment to conservation and education align perfectly with ECZF’s goals as we expand our footprint with the new Aquarium campus. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team and look forward to her leadership in advancing our philanthropic efforts.”
Ms. Ducharme brings more than 25 years of non-profit leadership experience, most recently serving as vice president of philanthropy at the National MS Society, where she managed a national team and oversaw a $78 million annual fundraising budget. She was instrumental in securing transformational gifts, including the organization’s largest estate gift to date. Her career also includes leading large-scale disaster relief fundraising efforts at the American Red Cross, as well as leadership roles at the YMCA and Easter Seals.
As chief philanthropy officer, Ms. Ducharme will lead ECZF’s development strategy, including its ambitious $100+ million Our Legacy Campaign. She will also lead and expand the philanthropy team and work in partnership with the entire executive team to continually elevate the experience guests and donors have in every interaction with the zoo, its conservation and educational programs, and exhibits.
Established in 1986, the East Coast Zoological Foundation operates Brevard Zoo and will soon open the new Aquarium at Port Canaveral, a world-class facility focused on marine conservation. The organization is committed to connecting people with nature and promoting biodiversity through innovative programs, partnerships, and immersive educational experiences.
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Cooper Coleman is also leading the East Coast Zoological Foundation’s chief operating officer search. The chief operating officer will oversee the organization’s operational efficiency across its multiple campuses, ensuring strategic alignment with ECZF’s mission and operational goals. As the organization’s operations leader, the COO will bring a blend of strategic foresight and hands-on leadership, responsible for enhancing revenue through innovative guest experiences, overseeing facilities and operational standards, and leading cross-functional collaboration to support the zoo’s ongoing development and the establishment of the Aquarium at Port Canaveral.
Experienced Recruiters
Founded in 2020, Cooper Coleman is a full-service executive search and consulting firm partnering exclusively with non-profit organizations, foundations, and research and academic institutions to drive meaningful growth. Its team moves organizations forward by placing “the right leaders in the right roles at the right time” and helps to strengthen their management and fundraising capacity to amplify their mission and impact.
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Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has assisted in the recruitment of Kesha Larkins as the new executive director of ReVive Center for Housing and Healing in Chicago. Ms. Larkins is a seasoned non-profit leader with a track record in fundraising, operational management, and program development. With a commitment to trauma-sensitive care, she has dedicated her career to making meaningful contributions to organizations striving to create safer and more supportive communities.
Bill Coleman is principal and co-founder of Cooper Coleman. He has more than 16 years of leadership experience throughout the social sector. He partnered with his father-in-law, William B. Coleman, to establish Cooper Coleman as a firm that “prioritizes making the essential services of executive search accessible to organizations across the social sector, knowing the transformational impact having the right leaders in the right roles can have on an organization and its mission,” the firm said. Mr. Coleman has more than 25 years’ experience in retained executive search, including leading his own firm, Coleman Search Consulting LLC, for more than 10 years until its sale in 2018.
Mr. Cooper has worked with publicly and privately held corporations in the recruitment of C-level operating, finance, human resources, sales/marketing, supply chain, and technology executives. Prior to Cooper Coleman, he founded and led Coleman Search Consulting LLC, for more than 10 years before selling the firm.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
