Lindauer Recruits Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
April 24, 2026 – Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Gary Grant as chief philanthropy officer of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. The search was led by Lindauer assistant vice president Terri Rutter. “Gary is deeply committed to the belief that philanthropy begins with real relationships,” the Zoo said in a LinkedIn post. “He is excited to bring that philosophy to Palm Beach Zoo and to work alongside our communities as we save wildlife in wild places. Welcome to the Palm Beach Zoo family, Gary.”
“The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society sought a seasoned and visionary leader to guide its fundraising efforts during a moment of transformation,” Lindauer said in a LinkedIn post. “They found one in Gary Grant. Gary joins Palm Beach Zoo as chief philanthropy officer, bringing nearly four decades of experience in advancement and a deep commitment to building meaningful connections between institutions and their communities. Throughout his career, he has focused on major gift fundraising, volunteer leadership engagement, and strengthening annual support as part of comprehensive development programs. He is also a respected thought leader in the field, having authored books and spoken widely on the role of technology in advancement.”
“Known for building strong teams and fostering collaborative environments, Gary brings both strategic insight and a passion for mentoring development professionals,” the firm continued. “His dedication to excellence and integrity in philanthropy aligns closely with Palm Beach Zoo’s mission to inspire action on behalf of wildlife and wild places. Please join us in congratulating Gary and Palm Beach Zoo on this exciting new chapter.”
Mr. Grant brings more than 35 years of leadership experience in philanthropy, major gifts, and advancement management. He joins the Zoo with a proven record of building high-performing teams, cultivating strong donor relationships, and delivering results across some of the country’s leading universities and non-profit organizations. Mr. Grant most recently served as senior vice president for advancement and external affairs at Iona University, where he led development and alumni relations efforts.
Prior to that, he was senior vice president for advancement at Florida Institute of Technology, following earlier roles as vice president for development and university relations at the University of Tampa and vice president for college advancement at Washington College. Earlier in his career, Mr. Grant held leadership positions as vice president of development at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, director of major gifts at the Alzheimer’s Association and the University of Chicago Medical Center, and associate dean at the University of Chicago.
Home to More than 500 Animals
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a 23-acre zoological park home to more than 500 animals representing species from around the world. Known for its strong focus on conservation and education, the zoo participates in numerous wildlife protection programs and supports global efforts to preserve endangered species.
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Lindauer serves higher and secondary education, hospitals, academic research centers, think tanks, research facilities, and foundations, as well as advocacy, public service, social justice and other mission-driven non-profits. The firm has led searches for The Aspen Institute, Auburn University, Franklin & Marshall College, Brown University, Bryn Mawr College, Princeton University, MIT Sloan, Dickinson College, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Columbia University, University of Illinois, Room to Read and Educate Girls, among others.
Lindauer Recruits President and CEO for Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Tutwiler as president and CEO of Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs in Needham, MA. The search was led by Lindauer senior vice president Bob Giannino and vice president Maureen Huminik. He becomes only the fifth CEO in Walker’s 65-year history of serving children, youth, and families across Massachusetts. “At Walker, our mission is deeply personal,” said Dan Relihan, chair of Walker’s board of directors. “In Dr. Tutwiler, we have found a leader who shares an unwavering commitment to the families and children we serve as well as the dedicated staff who deliver our critical services every day. His experience across education, public service, and philanthropy uniquely positions him to support our community and lead Walker into its next chapter. We are honored to welcome him.”
Deb Taft leads Lindauer with over 25 years of executive and senior-level experience across the non-profit sector, from education to healthcare/academic medicine to the youth service and voluntary sectors. Her expertise includes governance, strategic planning, fundraising, program and staff management, strategic marketing, analytics, and constituent engagement, as well as talent recruitment, retention, and development.
Ms. Rutter brings a wide array of non-profit, advancement and communications and marketing expertise to Lindauer, excelling in placing top leaders and executing team builds in multiple sectors. Having served in various senior advancement and management roles, she is well-versed in the responsibilities of leadership. Ms. Rutter is experienced in recruiting executive directors, SVPs and VPs, national directors, and high-level frontline fundraisers and marketing and communications professionals for a broad range of world-class educational and medical institutions and national non-profits.
Related: Lindauer Recruits Chief People Officer for Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
