Glenn Ekey - Chief Development Officer
Glenn Ekey, who most recently served as president & CEO of the Zoological Society of Florida in Miami, was appointed Chief Development Officer in 2007. Upon joining the executive staff of the Zoo he said, “I am very excited to be part of the Palm Beach Zoo team. This is an extraordinary facility with tremendous potential for growth. I believe we have what it takes to play a leading role among American zoos, and to make great strides in the future development of our beautiful zoo here in Palm Beach County.”
Prior to serving as its president for five years, Ekey was executive director of the Zoological Society of Florida for ten years. He and his team worked hand-in-hand with Miami Metrozoo to rebuild the facility after its total destruction by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. They also developed a public/private partnership with Miami-Dade County that increased the zoo’s attendance by 25%. Ekey served as a catalyst and key implementer of a new $350 million master plan to revitalize Miami Metrozoo and generate an estimated $1.1 billion of economic impact. During his administration, the Zoological Society helped to raise over $100 million toward realization of the plan through the Building Better Communities Bond issue and from private donations.
Prior to moving to Florida, Ekey served as director of the Rhode Island Zoological Society in Providence and director of marketing & public relations for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. He was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. He and his wife Diane have one daughter.