Ivan Heit -
Volunteer Services Manager

Ivan Heit first joined the Palm Beach Zoo in 2005 when he enrolled in a docent class. He became a volunteer animal handler and participated in the zoo’s education programs, marketing initiatives, and special events. Ivan joined the Palm Beach Zoo Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AZAK) where he develops programs and, as Executive Director, has the responsibility of fund raising. Since joining, he has directed events that raised over $14,000 for local and regional animal programs including our own Melvin J. and Claire Levine Animal Care Complex.

In 2009, Ivan agreed to join the staff on a voluntary basis as Volunteer Services Manager. He has begun a reorganization, modernization, and recruitment program that has led to unprecedented numbers of volunteers joining the zoo family. They assist zoo staff in the areas of education, basic animal care, café, horticulture, administration and marketing. He has initiated fund raising events for the volunteer department for new, recognizable volunteer wear and a variety of recognition programs and events. Monthly meetings are now taking place to educate and retain volunteers.

Ivan maintains a full time position as Executive Vice President of the largest leasing company in the packaging and processing equipment industry. He joined the company in 1998. He has been associated with the packaging industry for thirty years. Ivan has been involved in management and sales/marketing positions for a number of entrepreneurial and Fortune 1000 companies where he worked with major food and beverage manufacturers. Those customers included Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola, Snapple, Smuckers, Nestle Foods, General Mills and dozens of others. He began his career in packaging in Philadelphia, PA. His experience includes both domestic and international assignments.

Ivan has been guest lecturer at the Food Packaging Institute of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and at conferences including BevPlant, Aseptipak, and Pack Expo. He has also conducted a twice per year program at the Management Institute of University of Wisconsin in international sales.

Ivan lives in Greenacres with his wife, Joanne.