CHICAGO, IL – Cooper Coleman LLC, a nationally recognized executive search firm specializing in nonprofit and social impact organizations, is pleased to announce that Anthony Rivera has been appointed Chief Operating Officer at East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), d.b.a. Brevard Zoo, following a national search led by Cooper Coleman Vice President of Executive Search, Kathy Kraushar. Rivera, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in operational strategy, guest experience, and revenue generation, will oversee all business operations, including facilities management, earned revenue, and safety, across ECZF’s growing portfolio, which encompasses the Brevard Zoo and the upcoming The Bowen Aquarium, a world-class Aquarium and Conservation Center planned for Port Canaveral, Florida.
Rivera most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where he developed and implemented a long-term master plan for expansion, revenue growth, and guest engagement. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of Operations and Hospitality at Georgia Aquarium, leading industry innovations that enhanced guest experiences, operational efficiency, and financial performance. Notably, under his leadership, Georgia Aquarium became the first Certified Autism Center (CAC) aquarium in 2018.
Rivera's career has also spanned iconic attractions, including Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, Madame Tussauds New York, and the American Museum of Natural History, where he played pivotal roles in operations, strategic planning, and visitor experience enhancements.
Reflecting on Rivera’s placement, Keith Winston, Chief Executive Officer of the East Coast Zoological Foundation, shared: "Anthony’s wealth of experience in leading world-class attractions, combined with his strategic and operational expertise, makes him the perfect fit to guide ECZF through its next phase of growth. As we prepare for the building and operations of our new Aquarium and continue expanding our conservation and education initiatives, his leadership will be essential in strengthening our operations and enhancing the experiences we offer to guests and the community."
Kathy Kraushar, Vice President of Executive Search at Cooper Coleman, added: "Anthony brings a remarkable ability to blend strategic vision with operational excellence. His leadership and passion for his work will not only enhance ECZF’s facilities and guest experience but also position the organization for long-term success as it expands its footprint."
As COO, Rivera will play a key role in shaping ECZF’s future, enhancing operational efficiencies, leading the organization’s master planning and expansion efforts, and ensuring that both Brevard Zoo and the forthcoming Bowen Aquarium at Port Canaveral continue to thrive as premier destinations for conservation, education, and guest engagement.
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About East Coast Zoological Foundation
Since 1986, ECZF has been dedicated to sharing the joy of nature to help wildlife and people thrive. Operating the beloved Brevard Zoo and spearheading the development of a new Aquarium campus, ECZF is a leader in conservation, education, and community engagement, welcoming over 500,000 guests each year. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Brevard Zoo has continuously been voted as a top zoo in the nation by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards.
To learn more, visit www.brevardzoo.org or www.ourlegacycampaign.org.
About Cooper Coleman LLC
Cooper Coleman LLC is a full-service retained executive search and consulting firm partnering exclusively with nonprofit organizations, foundations, and research and academic institutions to drive meaningful growth. With headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, and Chicago, IL, its team moves organizations forward by placing the right leaders in the right roles at the right time and helps to strengthen their management and fundraising capacity to amplify their mission and impact.
Cooper Coleman's diverse client portfolio spans a wide range of social impact areas, reflecting its commitment to serving the entire spectrum of the social impact sector. Its clients are focused on a variety of causes, such as civil rights, health equity, the performing arts, adoption and foster care, LGBTQ+ advocacy, tech for good, and more.
Founded by CEO Johnny Cooper, who has over 16 years of leadership experience in the social sector, Cooper Coleman prioritizes making essential executive search services accessible to organizations across the social impact sector. With a team of experienced consultants and a commitment to providing first-in-class search services to its clients, the firm has established itself as a leader in the field and is ranked among the Top 65 Nonprofit Executive Search Firms by Hunt Scanlon and among the TOP 250 Executive Search Firms nationally. Cooper Coleman is also proud to have co-founder William B. Coleman, Jr., a veteran executive search consultant with over 25 years of experience in the field, as part of its leadership team. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table and are dedicated to helping nonprofits and other social impact organizations achieve their goals.