Indianapolis Zoo
Karen Burns has a wealth of experience in various leadership roles. Karen started their career in 1990 as the Director of Alumni Relations at the University of Toledo. Karen then moved on to become the Assistant Director/Director of Development at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in 1995. In 1999, they joined the Indianapolis Zoological Society as the Executive VP and Executive Director for the Indianapolis Prize. In this role, they were responsible for institutional advancement, marketing, membership, creative services, and public relations. Throughout their career, Karen has demonstrated a strong passion for animal conservation and has played a significant role in promoting it globally.
Karen Burns has a strong educational background, with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Non-Profit Management and Philanthropy from Grand Valley State University. Karen obtained this degree in 1996. Prior to that, Karen completed their Bachelor of Science (BS) from Western Michigan University, majoring in Sociology, Public Administration, and Gerontology. Karen completed their undergraduate studies from 1976 to 1980. Furthermore, Karen holds a certification as a Certified Fundraising Executive from CFRE International, which they obtained in June 1996.
Indianapolis Zoo
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Opened in 1964, the Indianapolis Zoo is the largest privately funded zoo in the nation. Located near downtown in White River State Park since 1988, the 64-acre Zoo was the first to be triple accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, an aquarium and a botanic garden. Hosting more than a million visitors annually, the Zoo has also emerged as a global leader in animal conservation and research, receiving international recognition for work with conservation and breeding programs including the world’s first successful artificial insemination of an African elephant. Funding from the Indianapolis Zoo also supports the efforts of animal conservation organizations around the globe. At the Zoo, guests can connect year-round with nearly 1,300 animals within living habitats that closely resemble their native regions of the globe. The beautiful 3.3-acre White River Gardens is also part of the Zoo and continues its tradition of connecting animals, plants and people.