Board of Directors
Lincoln Park Zoo relies on its Board of Directors for leadership and guidance as it maintains its animal collection, and achieves its mission of conservation, research and education, while serving its members and the community. The Board provides insights on financial and operational matters as appropriate, and actively participates in fundraising to ensure the fiscal health of the zoo.
The Board is comprised of approximately 65 directors, who represent many of Chicago’s top business and civic leaders. New directors are elected by The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, and all members serve three-year terms. If you would like more information about Lincoln Park Zoo’s Board of Directors, please contact Vice President for Development Christine Zrinsky at czrinsky@lpzoo.org.
Women's Board
Formally established in 1977, the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo is comprised of about 90 active members from Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Though the Women’s Board celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2007, many members were participating with the zoo well before the formal creation of the board. These women, like all board members, are very proud to be a part of such a long-standing tradition in the Chicago community.
The Women’s Board is the largest fundraising body for Lincoln Park Zoo thanks to events like Zoo Ball, which Chicago magazine named “THE party of the summer.” Zoo Ball, which also celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2007, is attended by 1,000 civic and social community leaders and consistently raises more than $500,000.
The Women’s Board also organizes the Annual "Build & Grow" Science & Project Fair, a community-outreach event in which Chicagoland students can display their science and research projects focused on Lincoln Park’s popular South Pond. Each year the event grows; in 2006, more than 200 people attended.
Recently the board pledged to raise $1 million for the Women’s Board Fund for Capital Projects. By working hand-in-hand with Lincoln Park Zoo, the Women’s Board is addressing the zoo’s most pressing needs.
If you would like more information please contact us at 312-742-2220 or womensboard@lpzoo.org.
The Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo
The Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo supports the zoo through event-based fundraising activities. Established in 1985, the Auxiliary Board is comprised of 100 young professionals who are proud to be part of one of the longest-running junior boards in Chicago.
The Board’s fundraising events extend throughout the year. Winter celebrations include a family activity and the Board’s Mid-Winter Party while the annual Spring Benefit, attended by more than 900 people, is one of Chicago’s premier social gatherings.
The Auxiliary Board also organizes Lincoln Park Zoo’s Spooky Zoo, a Halloween event designed to give 25,000 Chicago kids a free, safe alternative for trick-or-treating.
Recently, the Auxiliary Board pledged to raise $1 million over the next five years for the zoo’s Endowed Fund for Conservation and Science. By filling Chicago’s social calendar, the Auxiliary Board is also working to conserve wildlife across the globe.
Criteria for Membership
Prospective members should be interested in the mission and objectives of the Board and have time to fulfill the responsibilities of membership.
Membership requirements include involvement in the board’s events and attendance at quarterly board meetings and various committee meetings as needed for event planning and board operation. Financial responsibilities include paying annual membership dues, supporting fundraising efforts and contributing to Lincoln Park Zoo's annual fund.
Membership is reserved for individuals aged 25–40 at the time of application.
For more information, please contact the Auxiliary Board office at 312-742-2220 or auxiliaryboard@lpzoo.org.
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2001 North Clark Street · Chicago, IL 60614 · 312-742-2000
Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and is FREE every day!
