San Diego Zoo Global welcomes a new member to its executive leadership team this month: David Gillig has been named chief philanthropy officer. In his new role, Gillig will lead the nonprofit conservation organization’s crucial fundraising efforts to support further growth of the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, while also raising the bar on the organization’s commitment to support worldwide conservation efforts in service to the mission of saving endangered wildlife.
“I am honored and excited to be joining San Diego Zoo Global,” said Gillig. “Its rich history in wildlife conservation, education and research, combined with an extraordinary vision, creates extraordinary opportunities for donors to have an immediate and lasting impact.”
Gillig has an extensive background in philanthropy, serving as senior vice president and foundation executive director at Rady Children’s Hospital for 19 years, senior vice president of the Scripps Foundation for Medicine and Science and, most recently, senior consultant and principal at Marts & Lundy—providing counsel to more than 150 healthcare, education, environment, and arts organizations throughout the United States. Gillig was also one of the early leaders of the Woodmark Group, a consortium of North America’s leading children’s hospitals, where he served as chair of the board of directors. In addition, he has served on the board of directors of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
“Our board of directors, executive leadership team and I are truly excited to bring David on board,” said Paul A. Baribault, president/CEO of San Diego Zoo Global. “David’s wealth of philanthropic experience, leadership, professionalism, strong relationships in San Diego and an inspiring global lens make him well suited to support San Diego Zoo Global into the future as a prominent international conservation organization.”
As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is made accessible to over 1 billion people annually, reaching 150 countries via news media, social media, our websites and the San Diego Zoo Kids network in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible with support from our incredible donors committed to saving wildlife around the globe.
