Jeff Ewelt
Executive Director at ZooMontana
- Role
- Chief Executive Officer at Zoomontana
- Location
- Billings, MT, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Jeff Ewelt
Highly motivated, loyal, and results-oriented nonprofit zoological leader with over 20…
Experience
Chief Executive Officer
May 2011 — Present · Billings, MT, US
Service: Montana’s only true AZA accredited zoological/botanical park and accredited arboretum, supported solely through earned revenue.Executive Director – Overtook the organization during its darkest hour. Provided leadership,morale boosts and animal expertise to rebuild the organization. Responsible for the planning,organizing, coordinating, directing, and controlling of all the functions and activities of the organization in accordance with the mission, philosophy, objectives, and goals as established by the leadership team, Board of Directors, by-laws, and organizational policies.Accomplished the following in 12 years as Director- Grew budget from (2011) to $2.5 million (2024)- Increased net income from (2011) to (2022)- Regained AZA Accreditation after 8 years of rebuilding (2019)- Grew attendance by 277%. in 2011 to in 2023- Won back the community/donors through strategic outreach, listening sessionsand action that showed results- Retooled the Board of Directors from 3 trustees to 12, better reflecting thecommunity and needs of the organization- Built 4 major animal habitats, 13 minor habitats, a new parking lot, and a specialevents pavilion, in addition to tens of dozens of major deferred maintenance projects- Created a community gathering place, resulting in private and public events eachyear within the Zoo, generating crucial revenue- Earned a spot on USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Top10 Zoos list.(2024)- Recognized through several national broadcasts such as Mutual of Omaha,Inside Edition, 72 Most Dangerous Animals and “Jeff the Nature Guy” on YouTube- Developed and implemented new marketing strategies, strategic plans, and business plansfocused on sustainability- Increased financial stability through responsible budgeting, grant writing, and improved accounting practices.• Oversee 100+ animals, ensuring proper nutrition, enrichment, safety, and welfare.
Education
Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
Allstate Foundation Nonprofit Leadership Graduate (, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science - BS, Environmental Communication, Interpretation and Education
1997 — 1999
Skills
- Public Speaking
- Celebrity
- Volunteer Management
- Press Releases
- Animal Trainer
- Communicator
- Community Outreach
- Public Relations
- Advertising
- Event Management
- Media Relations
- Marketing
- Social Networking
- Strategic Planning
- Newsletters
- Fundraising
- Copywriting
- Speech Writing
- Marketing Communications
- Strategic Communications
- Social Media
- Video Production
- Blogging
- Social Media Marketing
- Event Planning
- Teamwork
- Television Personality
- Editing
- Non-Profits
- Grant Writing
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