Community Corner

Detroit Zoological Society Names Chief Development Officer

Jane Alessandrini has been appointed Chief Development Officer for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). She returns to the DZS after having served as Director of Development from 1999 to 2002. During that time, she led the “Celebrating Wildlife” capital campaign to fund the Arctic Ring of Life, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Ford Education Center and Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex. 

“We’re happy to welcome Jane back into the DZS family. She is accomplished, collaborative and committed to our mission and will be a terrific addition to our executive leadership team,” said Ron Kagan, DZS Executive Director and CEO.

Alessandrini has more than 25 years’ experience in development for nonprofit and health care institutions. Most recently, she served as Director of Major and Planned Gifts at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and, prior to that, as Senior Vice President of Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. She has also held development positions with Henry Ford Health System and Children’s Hospital of Michigan. 

Alessandrini earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. She is a member the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Association for Health Care Philanthropy, and Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and Planned Giving Roundtable of Southeastern Michigan. She also serves as board president of the Livonia Stevenson Instrumental Music Boosters. 

A lifelong Michigan resident, Alessandrini lives in Livonia. 


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