Beth Zimmerman
BETH ZIMMERMAN
FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CHAIR EMERITUS
Beth is the inspiration behind Pets for Patriots. Growing up, her family home was never without a shelter dog. Seeing so many animals without the loving embrace of a family had a profound impact on her, and she vowed that one day she would find a way to save them all.
As a result of these experiences Beth developed a passion for the welfare of animals – particularly those who were neglected, abused, or simply unwanted.
At the same time an abiding love of country animated the Zimmerman household. Beth’s parents impressed upon their children an enduring respect for our nation’s history, its veterans, and military families.
Although her own family does not have a strong military tradition, Beth came to learn about a relative who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWII. Marine Corps Captain Jacob Joseph was just 22 years old when he died in action at Guadalcanal. Five years later the native New Yorker was honored with a playground bearing his name. It remains an oasis for New York City children in Chinatown and the Lower East Side.
Beth brings more than 25 years of business and entrepreneurial experience to Pets for Patriots, including a decade as a practicing architect. She spent the next 15 years – 10 of which as a solopreneur – in business and branding strategy for clients in finance, technology, healthcare, luxury goods, and utilities, among others.
These diverse experiences help Beth invest Pets for Patriots with excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement across the organization’s strategy, operations, marketing, communications, and delivery.
Beth is an alumna of Carnegie Mellon University where she earned a Master of Architecture. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosphy from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
In 2012 Beth and her mother Naomi adopted Bunny, a senior Beagle mix who died of cancer in 2016. In November 2017 Beth adopted Benny, a nearly 10-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix whom she met while volunteering at a local shelter. Benny passed away at the end of 2021, just shy of his 14th birthday. A few months later Beth adopted Berry, a nine year-old ‘pocket Pittie’ who had been adopted and ultimately surrendered twice before.
Naomi passed away in mid-2019. Among her many life accomplishments, she became Pets for Patriots’ first volunteer. Naomi was always uplifted by stories of the lifesaving work made possible through her considerable efforts and love.
Beth served as Board Chair from 2009 through 2016, at which time Keith Weaver was elected to lead the Board.