NORFOLK , VA – The Virginia Zoo is pleased to present its new development and communications team. Annie Vogt has been named director of development and communications. Lori Cummings is the new development manager. Diane Paluzzi is the new marketing manager, and Melissa Love is the new special events & group sales coordinator.

The development and marketing team has extensive experience working in the nonprofit sector. Before being named department director, Vogt served as the Zoo's director of major gifts and donor relations. Her experience also includes serving as vice president of The Curtis Group, a local fundraising consulting firm, as executive director of the Bon Secours DePaul Health Foundation and development work with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Cummings, who previously served as the Zoo's development coordinator, joined the Zoo in 2005 after earning her MBA at Marshall University in West Virginia .

Paluzzi brings nearly 20 years of public relations and marketing experience to the Zoo, including stints at VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, the Southeastern Public Service Authority, The Daily Press and Decipher, Inc. Love is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia and has experience in working at venues in Hampton Roads and Charlottesville .

“This is a strong development and communications team, and I anticipate their work will greatly benefit the Virginia Zoo, our visitors and our animals,” remarks Greg Bockheim, executive director of the Zoo. “Annie Vogt and Diane Paluzzi grew up in Hampton Roads and also grew up visiting the Zoo, which gives them not only a great affection for the Zoo, but also a keen understanding the positive role it plays in our community. Lori Cummings has been working in the Zoo's development department for a couple of years and has developed a strong knowledge of the facility, our programs, our animals and our visitors. Melissa Love also grew up in this area and has experience coordinating special events and ensuring customer service.”

As an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums ( AZA ) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits over 350 animals, beautifully manicured grounds and offers a fun-filled day for all. For more than a century, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to wildlife, conservation and education. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk . Daily admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and $5.00 for children ages 2-11. Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more information.

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