JL Bielon, CFRE

JL Bielon, CFRE, serves as Vice President of Development at ZooTampa at Lowry Park since April 2022, overseeing the philanthropic strategy and fundraising campaigns, including a $30 million capital campaign for the Florida Waters/Manatee Rescue Center and a $95 million project for the South America Realm. Prior to this role, JL Bielon was the Executive Director of the Lions Eye Institute Foundation, where responsibilities included leading annual and capital fundraising efforts and developing a Pediatric Vision Center. JL Bielon also held the position of Director of Development at Tampa Theatre, successfully increasing annual fund income through innovative fundraising strategies. Earlier experience includes serving as Associate Director of University Relations at the University of South Florida, where major events were planned, and as Executive Assistant to the Honorable Edward V. Regan at Levy Economics Institute of Bard College. JL Bielon holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Hofstra University and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of South Florida.