Basic Beginnings
Born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey, Edward caught the show biz bug in the 4th grade. He debuted as a teen cabaret performer under the direction of the Performer's Theater Workshop, an after-school musical theater company. Afterward, Edward spanned the theatrical gamut, performing in numerous musical theater productions, national tours, summer stock, dinner theaters, and cabaret lounges. In 1993, he completed his bachelor of arts degree at New Jersey City University, majoring in musical theater performance.
After his last theater tour in 1999, Mr. Zielke began his professional career, first working as an administrative assistant. He quickly expanded his career by studying graphics & web design in New York City. Next, Edward started in the marketing department at J.P. Morgan Chase's Asset & Wealth Management division for private clients. He became the communications chair for the company's Pride Network in New York City. Helping to raise funds for the LGBTQ+ community, the funds benefited The Pride Center of NYC, AIDS Walk New York, and the Stonewall Pride Parade. In 2005, Edward won the Excellence and Leadership Award for promoting workforce diversity and championing inclusion at JPMorgan Private Bank. After six successful years, he became a Senior Associate for Morgan Stanley's Investment Management team, focusing on marketing technology.
Reboot & Relocation
In 2011, Edward relocated to South Florida from New Jersey. He found work in hotel management for LGBTQ+ travelers, which included Palm Plaza, Hotel Lush Royale, and Royal Palms, all North Beach Village Resort properties in Fort Lauderdale Beach. In 2015, Mr. Zielke was hired as the Marketing and Operations Manager at The Grand Resort and Spa, Fort Lauderdale's premier gay men's spa resort. He helped bring global branding attention to the resort and the spa by sponsoring top talent from World of Wonder's Emmy Award-winning RuPaul's Drag Race and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars for six successful seasons. Additionally, Edward is a social media brand influencer associated with Weight Watchers, Island City Traders, and the Kindred Pride Foundation.
In 2021, Edward accepted the Director of Marketing and Sponsorship position for the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida. Edward is no stranger to this chorus, as he appeared as a guest narrator in the 2018 concert Two Boys Kissing. Edward has helped GMCSF exceed its corporate sponsorship revenue goals, attract and retain loyal audiences, and enhance its brand awareness and reputation in the community through his innovative and impactful solutions. Edward received GMCSF's 2023 Champion Award for his commitment and dedication, and was recognized by Out South Florida in their 2024 Out & Proud List. Additionally, he establishes and maintains strong relationships with Disney, Hard Rock International, Amazon, and other regional brands.
He serves on GALA Choruses Communications Committee and is a commentator on Queer News Tonight, part of HotSpots Happening Out Television Network.
LGBTQ+ Notables
Throughout his career, Mr. Zielke has had the privilege of conversing with several LGBTQ+ activists and notables.
- Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, activist, and co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation at Out & Equal Summit for JPMorgan Chase Pride Network.
- Larry Kramer, playwright, author, and public health advocate, co-founded AAIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) & Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) at The Grand Resort and Spa.
- Tony Kushner, author, playwright, and screenwriter, Angels in America, at the JPMorgan Chase Pride Network event.
- Billie Jean King, former world tennis champion and advocate of gender equality at Out & Equal Summit for JPMorgan Chase Pride Network.
- Peter Staley, political activist, co-founded ACT UP at the JPMorgan Chase Pride Network event.
- Cleve Jones, NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, San Francisco AIDS Foundation at The Grand Resort and Spa.