Robyn Ducharme has been named the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) at the East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), where she will lead all philanthropic efforts. With over 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she specializes in strategic revenue growth, donor engagement, and mission-driven philanthropy.

Before joining ECZF, Robyn served as Vice President of Philanthropy at the National MS Society, overseeing a national team with an annual comprehensive $78 million fundraising budget. She was pivotal in securing transformational philanthropic investments, including launching an innovative venture capital initiative and securing the most significant estate gift in the organization’s history.

Robyn’s experience is not just limited to traditional philanthropy. She has also led large-scale disaster relief fundraising efforts at the American Red Cross, successfully mobilizing resources under high-pressure conditions. This experience has honed her ability to handle crises and ensure that resources are efficiently and effectively deployed. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at the YMCA and Easter Seals, where she focused on community-based programming, donor engagement, and expanding access to essential services for children and families. Throughout her career, she has built and led high-performing teams, cultivated deep relationships with donors, board members, and corporate partners, and driven innovative fundraising strategies that have fueled mission impact.

Robyn's profound appreciation for the role community institutions, like zoos and aquariums, play in fostering connections to nature and their significant community impact is deeply personal. As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, she has seen firsthand how these environments provide comfort, engagement, and learning opportunities for all. This personal connection fuels her commitment to ECZF's mission.

Robyn's deep love for the outdoors and the rich biodiversity of Florida’s ecosystems is not just a personal passion, but a driving force behind her commitment to conservation and education. From coastal estuaries to wetlands and marine habitats, she values the importance of preserving these natural spaces for future generations. Her commitment to protecting wildlife and fostering environmental stewardship is not just a professional duty, but a personal mission that aligns with ECZF’s goal to inspire people to care about animals and nature.

With a passion for strategic philanthropy, donor engagement, and mission-driven leadership, Robyn is thrilled and honored to lead ECZF’s philanthropic efforts. She is excited to bring her wealth of experience and personal commitment to the role, and looks forward to working with the ECZF team and the community to further the organization's mission.