Cooper Coleman Seeking COO and Chief Philanthropy Officer for the East Coast Zoological Foundation
November 18, 2024 – Chicago-based Cooper Coleman LLC has been retained by the East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) to lead searches for the organization’s first chief operating officer and their next chief philanthropy officer. This strategic expansion is integral to ECZF’s continued impact on conservation and community engagement, encompassing Brevard Zoo and the new Aquarium campus in Port Canaveral.
“ECZF is a renowned organization deeply woven into the fabric of its community and conservation efforts, and we are privileged to support its leadership transition,” said Johnny Cooper, founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “These searches reflect ECZF’s dedication to building a sustainable and vibrant future for its existing and new campuses. We look forward to finding transformational leaders who will drive ECZF’s growth and strengthen its impact.”
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.
The chief philanthropy officer will lead ECZF’s development strategy, focused on advancing its $100 million Our Legacy Campaign to support the new aquarium campus and enhance community engagement. This leader will direct all philanthropic efforts, including major, planned, and digital giving, corporate partnerships, and government grants, ensuring a sustainable foundation for the Zoo and Aquarium’s growth and outreach initiatives.
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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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.
Experienced Recruiters
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.
Cooper Coleman Recruits New Leader for ReVive Center for Housing and Healing
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.
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.
Recent Search
Cooper Coleman recently placed Maggie McDow as vice president and chief development officer of Rainforest Flow. “I consider it my privilege to connect passionate leaders with worthy missions, then witness the incredible work that transpires as they do what they are called to do,” Mr. Cooper. “This match is no exception. Maggie and Nancy share a vision for Rainforest Flow that will profoundly impact the intersection of global health and climate. Furthermore, their vision is underpinned by the dedication and leadership of board chair Samuel Schwan, which will serve as a model for funders well into the future.”
“We are excited about Maggie’s placement to our leadership team as our new VP and chief development officer and are looking forward to a meaningful and prosperous relationship,” said Nancy Santullo, founder and executive director of Rainforest Flow. “We could not have done it without Johnny, Jennifer, and their team. We are grateful for the care they demonstrated on our behalf. Cooper Coleman was an absolute pleasure throughout the many months of the search and hiring process. It means the world to us.”
Related: Cooper Coleman Recruits Chief Technology Officer for Lambda Legal
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
