What does it take to bring an ambitious new exhibit from vision to reality—and keep the project financially and operationally on track along the way?
Join us at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore for an engaging evening of networking, conversation, and behind-the-scenes insights. The program will begin with an hour of socializing and networking with fellow professionals in the unique setting of the Zoo’s historic Mansion House. (2:00 - 3:00 pm) It's an afternoon opportunity to reconnect, recharge, and step away from the office after the deadline.
During the second hour (3:00 - 4:00 pm) , hear directly from the leaders and advisors who helped bring the Zoo’s new Red Panda exhibit to life. J. Kirby Fowler Jr., President & CEO of the Maryland Zoo; Shannon Brown, Chief Operating Officer; Brina Lehner, Deputy CFO; and Christie Stravino, CPA, MS, Partner at Cohen & Co., will share perspectives from across executive leadership, operations, finance, and professional advisory services.
Together, they’ll take you behind the exhibit to explore the financial strategy and real-world decision-making behind a major capital project—from budgeting and risk management to cross-functional collaboration, unexpected challenges, and lessons learned along the way. You’ll hear not just what went according to plan, but how the team navigated the moments that didn’t—and what finance and business leaders can take away from their experience.
Whether you work in finance, accounting, operations, construction, nonprofit leadership, or project management, you’ll gain a firsthand look at the decisions and partnerships required to successfully move a complex project from concept through completion.
Following the panel discussion, attendees may join an optional chat with a Red Panda zookeeper at the exhibit for an even closer look at the Zoo’s newest residents and their habitat. (4:00 - 4:30 pm).
This event is presented in collaboration with FEI Baltimore.
None
None
