Ave Costa

Ave Costa is an experienced development professional with a strong background in philanthropic partnerships and corporate engagement. Currently serving as the Director of Development at Gateway Foundation since January 2024, Ave previously held the role of Director of Philanthropic Partnerships and Corporate Engagement at the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo from June 2010 to December 2023, where over $9 million was raised through collaboration with key stakeholders. Prior positions include Director of Corporate Relations at Adler Planetarium, Senior Resource Development Associate at Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving at The Hadley School for the Blind, Assistant Director of Corporate Relations at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Manager of Corporate and Foundation Giving at Lincoln Park Zoo. Ave holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations with a minor in Psychology from Illinois State University.