Dr. Amy Acton now Vice President of Human:Kind
Columbus, OH (December 10, 2020)—The Columbus Foundation announced today that Kate Oliphint, Vice President of the Jack Hanna Team at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and of Jungle Jack Productions, is joining its staff as Director of Kind Columbus, effective December 29, 2020.
Oliphint has spent the past 16 years as leader of the Jack Hanna Team, where she grew his global brand through the strategic management of Hanna’s educational messaging, media engagement, and national speaking tours to inform and inspire audiences while promoting the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds as global leaders in animal care and conservation.
Oliphint graduated from the University of Richmond in Virginia, where she studied social sciences. She resides in Clintonville with her husband, Joel, two children, and their beloved dog.
Dr. Amy Acton, who had previously been Director of Kind Columbus, will now spearhead Human:Kind, the overarching initiative encompassing both Kind Columbus and the Foundation’s “Flourishing” work that aims to improve community well-being through research and human-centered design projects for the social sector.
Jack Hanna helped shine a national spotlight on the amazing assets central Ohio has to offer, and, in particular, its world-class zoo and aquarium. Kate’s role in growing and managing one of the premier Columbus brands speaks volumes about the talent she brings to the Kind Columbus program.
DOUGLAS F. KRIDLER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION
For Dr. Acton, Oliphint will play an instrumental role in building community partnerships and advancing the work she has begun. “We are so excited to welcome Kate to the Foundation,” said Acton. “Her experience in helping to educate and inspire audiences across the world is the perfect fit for our aspirations with kindness. As we continue to spread kindness across the Columbus region, her passion to strengthen and improve the community will be a tremendous asset to our team.”
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation serves nearly 3,000 individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. The Columbus Foundation is Your Trusted Philanthropic Advisor® and one of the top 10 largest community foundations in the United States.