Roger Williams Park Zoo Welcomes Two New Board Members

PROVIDENCE, RI (July 7, 2022) Roger Williams Park Zoo is pleased to announce two new members have joined the Rhode Island Zoological Society Board of Directors: Cheryl Cohen and Pamela W. Heffernan. The Zoo’s Board of Directors works to secure the public and private sector support needed by the Zoo to continue to develop new world-class exhibits, make significant contributions to conservation, and serve the community as a valuable source of environmental education, recreation, and economic development.

Cheryl Cohen is the senior director of sales, marketing and public relations at the Dunkin Donuts Center and Rhode Island Convention Center. Her career spans over 40 years in the entertainment industry, including the Warwick Musical Theater, World Wrestling Entertainment and ASM Global. She is an active member of the community serving on several local boards including, the Rhode Island Sports Commission, The Bradley Hospital Board of Governors, the Moses Brown School Board of Trustees, and the Moses Brown Alumni Association Board. Cheryl spends much of her time outside the office with her beloved Great Dane Maddison. She also loves to travel, especially to exotic locations.

“I love the Zoo because it provides a wonderful opportunity for everyone to enjoy family time together and experience wildlife in such a caring environment for the animals,” said Cheryl.

Pamela W. Heffernan has brought leadership, management, technical and sales experience to the companies she has worked with over the past 40 years. She credits her leadership skills to her 14-year career with IBM Corporation, where her career moved quickly through a host of management positions. She is past President of the Rhode Island Special Olympics, chairperson for the Hasbro Children’s Hospital Gala, and served on the Board of Directors for Leadership Rhode Island. Pam is currently on the Board of Rhode Island PBS and serves on the Education Committee for Save the Bay. Pam lives with her husband, Bill in Little Compton and loves to enjoy the gorgeous beaches in town. When she’s not dedicating her time to a variety of non-profits, her focus is on spending time with family, including her three children, their spouses and her two grandchildren. 

“When my kids were young, the Zoo was a huge part of the family’s time together; and is so again with the grandkids,” said Pamela. “To be involved with Zoo now as a volunteer feels like a chance to give back to an organization that helped to create wonderful memories for so many years.”

The 2022 Rhode Island Zoological Society Board of Directors now includes: Patrick T. Lebeau, Chair; Nancy Allen, Vice Chair; Sandra L. Coletta, Vice Chair; Margaret Ferguson, Secretary; Kristen Adamo, Treasurer; Martha Bower; Douglas Caniglia; Cheryl Cohen; Barbara S. Cottam; Sarah Denby; Dr. Marta Gomez-Chiarri; Pamela W. Heffernan; Kimberley M. Little; Liz Rollins Mauran; Jeffrey Mello; Howard Merten; John J. Palumbo; Steven M. Parente; Dr. Karen E. Silva; Maribeth Q. Williamson.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is Rhode Island’s number one outdoor family and tourist attraction, and a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. As leaders in conservation and animal care – we create engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places. Roger Williams Park Zoo is supported and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence.

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