Kate Brueggemann is Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Senior Vice President of Development. In this role, she oversees a team dedicated to raising mission, capital, and annual funds through individual, foundation, and corporate philanthropy, as well as grants, government contributions, and special events.

Leveraging her extensive experience in fundraising for not-for-profit organizations and cultural institutions, Kate drives the Zoo’s efforts to engage donors in support of our bold vision for the future. She is responsible for the development and implementation of the Zoo’s fundraising strategy for the comprehensive Next Century Plan campaign – which includes the current Tropical Forests initiative.

Kate is a Certified Fundraising Executive and holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Missouri. She has a wealth of experience in fundraising for nonprofit organizations and cultural institutions, having held leadership roles at the Adler Planetarium, Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Missouri History Museum. Kate is a co-author of Fundraising Management in a Changing Museum World (Routledge) and is a frequent speaker at conferences nationwide, sharing her insights on fundraising, organizational change, and donor engagement.