October 3, 2022

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is delighted to share some exciting news on behalf of our non-profit partner, Happy Hollow Foundation (HHF). After an extensive search for its next Executive Director, the foundation is pleased to welcome Rhonda Nourse to the role!

Happy Hollow Foundation is a non-profit organization that partners closely with Happy Hollow Park & Zoo to foster pride and involvement so that Happy Hollow remains a community asset that is highly valued and accessible to all. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Rhonda to our team,” said HHF Board President Shannon Wass. “Rhonda’s experience in fundraising and her passion for our community will help elevate the foundation’s mission to support conservation, education and play through innovative programming and strategic fundraising initiatives.”

At the helm of Happy Hollow Foundation, Rhonda will work closely with the HHF Board of Directors to nurture and grow a pool of donors who are passionate advocates for the park and zoo. She will also work alongside Happy Hollow Park & Zoo General Manager Kiersten McCormick to ensure that the foundation’s support has a meaningful impact on Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, our visitors and our community. Some key areas of focus will include funding life science education for underserved students, upgrading zoo exhibits and rides and attractions, providing animal care and enrichment tools, and funding conservation grants locally and globally. 

“Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is excited to welcome a new partner in Rhonda.” said Happy Hollow Park & Zoo General Manager Kiersten McCormick. “Happy Hollow Foundation is a strong advocate for and supporter of the park and zoo. We have accomplished a lot together and are eager to see what we will do together in the future with Rhonda’s help.”

Rhonda most recently served as Associate Director of Advancement at Via Services, a San José based nonprofit providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. In this role, Rhonda oversaw all fundraising activities and introduced the concept of donor-centered fundraising to increase donations, reduce expenses and engage supporters as volunteers. Previously, Rhonda served as Associate Director of Advancement at Sacred Heart Nativity Schools and as a Television News Director at KTVU, KNTV and KSBW.  

Rhonda has lived in San Jose for many years, and now calls Campbell home with her husband and two teenage children. She is a participant of the 2023 cohort of Leadership San Jose. She has been an active volunteer and member of many local organizations including the National Charity League, Bellarmine College Prep Mother’s Guild, Saint Martin of Tours School, and Stanford Red Barn. Rhonda holds a bachelor of arts degree in communications and political science from the University of San Diego. 

Stay tuned for more details about opportunities to meet Rhonda and learn about her priorities for the future of HHF. We can’t wait to see what the next chapter of the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and Happy Hollow Foundation partnership will bring. Her first official day on the job will be October 5, 2022.