Denver Zoo CEO and Leadership

Bert Vescolani is a President and CEO at Denver Zoo and is based in Greater Denver Area. He has worked as President/CEO at Saint Louis Science Center, Board Member at Forest Park South Business Association, and Board Member at Founders Brewery. Bert attended Michigan State University until 1988, North Park University, and Harvard Kennedy School.

Mr. Wright has a wealth of financial management and merger and acquisition experience. He is currently privileged to serve as the CFO at the Denver Zoo. He served as the Senior VP, Finance & Administration at Mile High United Way for 2 years after serving on their Board of Trustees for 10 years. He served as the CFO of The Kroenke Group, and as Vice President, New Business Development for KSE, the Colorado operating company, and as General Manager and CFO of the Colorado Rapids Soccer Club. Previously, he spent over 20 years as an outside professional financial advisor, including over 14 years as a partner with Ernst & Young, with a primary focus on transaction advisory services, including mergers and acquisition due diligence, restructuring and reorganization, and litigation services.He is a frequent speaker on mergers & acquisitions and sports industry subjects. He has written over 20 articles for professional publications on a wide range of topics. Mr. Wright has served on The National Lacrosse League Board of Governors as Chairman of both the Executive and Finance Committees. He has also served on the MLS and SUM Board of Governors, including the Finance and Audit Committee and the Competition Committee. He has been a Director at a Public Company, Capital Growth Systems, and chaired its Audit Committee. Mr. Wright holds several professional certifications (CPA, CMA, CIRA, CMGA, CFF) and belongs to a number of professional organizations. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Duke University and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, where he received the Faculty Award for Distinguished Achievement. He has also served on the Board of Trustees of several charitable organizations and is currently a member of the Board of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He is also the principal percussionist performing with the Denver Pops Orchestra.

Katy Nichol is an Assistant to the Executive Vice President/COO at Denver Zoo and is based in Greater Denver Area.

Senior nonprofit leader with a proven record of accomplishment in bringing philanthropic operations to the next level. Dedicated to the Denver community by serving its educational and cultural institutions. Focused on building strong, trust-based relationships that result in deeply meaningful gifts. Proven ability to manage teams in a metrics-based environment to increase philanthropy. Excellent communication skills and adept at managing diverse groups to complete projects that enhance the overall financial health of organizations.