Nashville Zoo
Emily Vestal is an experienced grant writer and consultant with a strong background in securing funding for arts and cultural organizations. Currently serving as a Grant Writer at Nashville Zoo since April 2015, Emily has previously held roles such as Prospect Analyst and Grants Manager, demonstrating expertise in donor research and funding strategies. Experience includes a significant tenure at Carnegie Hall as a Senior Development Researcher, contributing to major gift strategies and wealth screening efforts, along with a foundational role as Director of Operations at Knoxville Symphony Society, overseeing extensive concert productions. Emily holds an MBA in Marketing from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Music in Music History and Literature from Vanderbilt University.
Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a 188-acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection within its current 88 acres of developed exhibits. The Zoo attracts more than one million visitors annually as well as serving a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee.