Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is pleased to welcome to its board of directors Timothy R. Barnhart, Brian M. Bartlett, Dr. Cody Childress, Heidi Holtz, Jaime J. Hunsicker and Jamie Keiser.
Timothy R. Barnhart, CLU, ChFC is managing director of Northwestern Mutual-Syracuse. He has been a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual since 2002. He holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration and communication studies from State University of New York at Oswego. He is a member of the Oswego State University Alumni Association Board of Directors, the March of Dimes Board of Directors and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. A featured company and industry speaker, he has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to the financial services industry. A native of Central New York, Barnhart resides in Baldwinsville with his wife and two children.
Brian M. Bartlett is a local entrepreneur and business owner. He is founder of BMB Fitness, a full-service lifestyle and wellness organization. Bartlett serves on the Morrisville College Foundation and was recently appointed to the Morrisville State College President’s Advisory Council. A lifelong animal lover and advocate, he competed internationally for many years showcasing highly decorated Clydesdales. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University. A native of Central New York, Bartlett resides in Manlius with his partner of 18 years and two dogs.
Dr. Cody Childress is a chiropractor practicing in Dewitt and Cazenovia with a lifelong passion for conservation and education. Childress is a member of Cazenovia Rotary International. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and human science from James Madison University and a doctorate of chiropractic from Life University. Childress grew up in Virginia and moved to Central New York in 2015. He resides in Jamesville.
Heidi Holtz is director of research and projects at the Gifford Foundation where she convenes and connects groups and alliances, coordinates communications and oversees a variety of initiatives. An adjunct instructor at The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and guest lecturer on philanthropy at local colleges and universities, she is past president of the Onondaga Citizens League and is co-chair of their transportation study. Holtz is actively involved with the state’s regional association of grant makers, New York Funders Alliance, serves on a number of local task forces and committees, is an active volunteer and board member with several organizations and is a certified facilitator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Denison University and a master’s degree in theatre history and women’s studies from Syracuse University. The mother of two grown children, she resides in Fayetteville with her two dogs and cat.
Jaime J. Hunsicker is an attorney with Hancock Estabrook LLP and assists clients with a range of trusts and estate and retirement planning. She sits on the board of the Hospice Foundation of Central New York and is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Central New York, Onondaga County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and Central New York Women’s Bar Association. She holds a juris doctor from Syracuse University College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Buffalo. She resides in North Syracuse with her husband, daughter, two dogs and two cats.
Jamie Keiser is a certified public accountant and partner with The Bonadio Group’s commercial division. She is an established specialist in financial and treasury management, business and operational analysis, audits of internal controls over financial reporting and audits of financial statements of public and private entities. She is a licensed CPA in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Shippensburg University. Keiser is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (serving as Syracuse Chapter President). She resides in Central Square with her fiancé, four cats and two rabbits.
Founded in 1970, Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) support organization to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, which is operated by Onondaga County Parks. Friends of the Zoo supports the mission of the zoo by providing educational programming to zoo visitors and the surrounding community, marketing efforts, fundraising and development activities.
Friends of the Zoo operates The Curious Cub Gift Shop, Catering at the Zoo and Jungle Café. Over the years, the organization has helped build new exhibits, improve existing habitats and upgrade facilities. Membership to the zoo through the Friends organization affords members discounts on educational programs, events, and in the zoo gift shop; a quarterly publication, MyZoo Magazine;and free admission to the zoo year-round.