Riverbanks Society

Riverbanks Society is the private, chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting the needs of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Established in 1976 by a group of concerned citizens, the Society started out with a base of 200 members and has grown far beyond expectations with more than 40,000 member households representing over 200,000 individuals, making it one of the largest nonprofit zoo societies per capita in the United States.

The Society is governed by an up to 21-member Board of Directors. Board members are elected to three-year terms through a formal nominating process. It is the sole responsibility of Riverbanks Society to promote the membership program and serve as the fundraising arm of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Current Riverbanks Society Board Members

Executive Committee

Deans Fawcett, President
Patti Embry-Tautenhan, Vice President
Wes Jackson, Treasurer
Deonca Shuler, Secretary
Tristan K. Weinkle, DVM, DACVIM, Immediate Past President

Board Members

Emily Bedenbaugh
A. Mattison Bogan
Will Elliott
Lauren Greene
James Herlong
Denise Gunter Hudson
Manny Licata
Sarah Bovaird Locke
Donna Longo
Thomas Manly
Lindsey Miles
Matt Mungo
Andrew Reed
Allison Sanford
Richard Slater
Dawn Staley
Sheila M. Willis

Financial Statements