Black Rhino Foundation, Inc. (BRF), is a 501 ( c) (3) non-profit founded in 1995 after being inspired by a feature article in the Chicago Tribune detailing the plight of the black rhinoceros. The BRF promotes and encourages conservation of the highly endangered black rhino in the wild.
Approaching our ninth year, we are focusing on taking the organization from a part-time volunteer basis to a full-time operation with paid staff. With a full time person we will be better equipped to pursue and secure opportunities with corporate sponsors, cultivate new members, and promote awareness through media campaigns. We are developing strategic marketing plans at this time to support these goals.
Management Team
Maggie Heydt, President & Founder
Ms. Heydt has start-up and turn around experience in corporate, non-profit and government environments with a unique cross-functional blend of management, marketing and photography skills. Maggie brings strong entrepreneurial, leadership and results orientation to the organization.
John Marcinek, Co-founder & Vice President
Mr. Marcinek brings strong communication and networking talent to the BRF possessing 12 years marketing experience in the area of corporate sponsorships. He is currently Director of Corporate Sponsorships for the NMMA in Chicago.
Bill Rusconi, Vice President, Business Development
Mr. Rusconi has 17 years experience in strategic marketing and business development bringing his corporate expertise to our future growth plans. Bill is currently Vice President, Marketing, Myriad Genetics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bill received an MBA from Kellogg in 1995.
Board of Advisors
We have also secured the assistance and support of the following business and industry experts to help in the decision-making, strategizing, and opportunity pouncing process:
Nan Schaffer, DVM, President, SOS Rhino
Dr. Schaffer is an international rhino reproductive specialist. SOS Rhino is an organization she founded in 1981 focusing on the rhino reproduction. She has produced 45 publications, 41 scientific presentations, and 11 scientific videos on the subject. She has designed extensions for ultrasound probes, helped in designing chutes for rhinos, and worked with designing equipment for collection of semen from the male rhino. Dr. Schaffer has been a member of the BRF Advisory Board since 1996.
Beverly Kirks, Director Major Gifts and Planned Giving, American Diabetes Association
Ms. Kirks is an Advisory Board member who joined this year. Beverly adds to the team 12 years experience in major gifts and planned giving. Most recently, Beverly has been the Regional Major Gifts Manager for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has been responsible for managing the development of JDRF's major donor program within 17 chapters in the Midwest. While at JDRF, Beverly was responsible for a $5.7 million goal, provided leadership and training for the chapter's major and planned gift revenue goals, and provided direction and support to identify both major and planned giving donors.
Liz Ferry, Program Advisor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mrs. Ferry is new to the Advisory Board this year. Prior to her role with the EPA, Liz worked with Governor Christie Whitman as Deputy Director of Communications, Governor’s office, New Jersey. She brings 15 years corporate and government communications skills and a dynamic understanding of government policies to the Foundation. Liz earned her Masters of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, 1996.