Amy Lazoff is the Director of Philanthropy and Community Relations for the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. During her tenure with the Zoo, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, persistence, and innovation in the field of fundraising. Amy’s impact on our organization has been nothing short of transformative. Under her visionary guidance, our Donor Relations team has experienced immense growth, both in terms of fundraising achievements and in the size of our team. Her commitment to our
mission and ability to inspire others to support our cause have been instrumental in advancing the Zoo’s goals.

Beyond fundraising, Amy’s commitment to professional development is evident through her many achievements, including her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, which showcases her
mastery of the highest standards in ethical and effective fundraising practices. Her unwavering dedication to excellence is unmatched, and she serves as an inspiration to our colleagues and peers
across the industry.

Beyond being a fundraiser herself, Amy has served on a number of boards and committees within our community, including the local Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Northeast Indiana
Chapter, as well as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) where her insights and expertise have contributed significantly.

One of the beautiful things about Amy is she is always willing to share her knowledge and experiences. She has been a frequent presenter at conferences across the country, sharing best practices, innovative
strategies, and insights gained from her extensive career in development, including a personal favorite, “Confessions of a Grant Writer”. Her contributions to the field have helped countless professionals in their pursuit of excellence.

Building on her own pursuit of excellence, last year Amy became a certified Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach, further demonstrating her commitment to not only achieving personal success but also to
mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders in our field. Her coaching has empowered colleagues and team members to reach their full potential, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within our organization.