Noelle DeLage Joins Denver Zoo as Chief Development Officer

DeLage’s Hiring Marks Her Return to a SCFD Tier I Institution After Discovering Her Passion for Fundraising at the Denver Art Museum 20 Years Ago

We are pleased to announce that Noelle DeLage has joined the Zoo’s executive team as Chief Development Officer. DeLage has spent more than 20 years in various development and fundraising positions, starting with the Denver Art Museum, and most recently as Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement at the University of Colorado Denver. Her commitment to strengthening the state’s cultural, scientific and educational resources has guided her career in philanthropy.

“There is so much positive energy among the leadership, staff and board members at Denver Zoo right now,” said DeLage, who will start in her new role at the Zoo on Jan. 22. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to deepen the Zoo’s connection to the community and increase philanthropic support for animal care, conservation, education and facilities.”

At the Denver Art Museum, where she focused on foundation and government funding, DeLage secured grants to fund groundbreaking exhibition development and educational program innovation, and participated in the museum’s capital campaign to construct the Frederic C. Hamilton Building. In her latest role as Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement at the University of Colorado Denver, she led a major gifts team that contributed significantly to the highest fundraising totals in the university’s history, and secured the institution’s largest estate gift to transform international programs for architecture students.

“We have ambitious plans to improve and modernize the Zoo over the coming months and years, and Noelle will play a critical role in helping generate the support that moves those projects along,” said Bert Vescolani, president/CEO of Denver Zoo. “Noelle is an accomplished fundraiser who brings exceptional creativity, experience, energy and community knowledge to the Zoo.”