About Edward
Stage Performer
Born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey, Edward caught the show biz bug in the 4th grade and made his debut as a teen cabaret performer under the direction of the Performer’s Theater Workshop: an after-school musical theater company. Since graduating from Livingston High School, Edward spanned the theatrical gamut performing in numerous musical theater productions, national tours, summer stock, dinner theaters, and cabaret. In 1993, he completed his bachelor of arts degree at New Jersey City University majoring in musical theater performance.
Marketing Professional
After his last 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. Edward worked on temporary assignments until he was hired for 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, benefiting The Pride Center of NYC, AIDS Walk New York, and the Stonewall Pride Parade. After 6 successful years, he went on to work for Morgan Stanley’s Investment Management team, focusing on marketing technology.
LGBTQ Resort Management
In 2011, Edward relocated to South Florida and found work managing a small gay men’s hotel called Palm Plaza, part of North Beach Village’s boutique hotels on 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 attention to both the resort and the spa by sponsoring top talent from World of Wonder’s, Emmy Award-Winning, RuPaul’s Drag Race for 6 successful seasons. Edward has been associated with WW: Weight Watchers Reimagined, Island City Traders in Wilton Manors, and the Kindred Pride Foundation based in Orlando, FL.
Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida
In 2021, Edward accepted the position of Director of Marketing and Sponsorship for the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida. Edward is also no stranger to this chorus. He appeared as a guest narrator in the 2018 concert of Two Boys Kissing.
“I am thrilled to be working with an extraordinary, talented group. My life’s journey has led me to this moment in my career and I can’t wait for it to begin.”
LGBTQ+
Out & Equal
Human Rights Campaign
Human Rights Campaign
Edward was the Communications Manager for the Out & Equal New York City Chapter for over 2 years. He also was Communications Manager on behalf of J.P. Morgan Chase's Pride Global Team.
Human Rights Campaign
Human Rights Campaign
Human Rights Campaign
Edward has partnered with several chapters for the HRC including New York City and South Florida regions, working on their comuunications team.
NLGJA
Human Rights Campaign
GFLGLCC
Edward is an associate member of South Florida's Chapter of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists.
GFLGLCC
The Rainbow Powerlist
GFLGLCC
Edward is member of the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce: promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community.
The Rainbow Powerlist
The Rainbow Powerlist
The Rainbow Powerlist
Published by Mark Gossington, the list recognizes the most inspiring social media accounts so you can follow them and learn more about our community.
Diversity At Work Awards
Diversity At Work Awards
Diversity At Work Awards
Edward won the Excellence and Leadership Award in promoting workforce diversity and championing inclusion at JPMorgan Private Bank.
AIDS WALK NEW YORK
Diversity At Work Awards
Diversity At Work Awards
For five years, Edward co-managed the J. P. Morgan Chase New York Team for the annual AIDS Walk New York. He himself was able to raise over 20,000 in one year alone and put the firm in the top 10 money raised for the cause.
Honorary Titles
Ordained Minister
Ordained Minister
Ordained Minister
American Marriage Ministries is a non-profit, interfaith and non-denominational church, founded in 2009. Our mission is to ensure that all people have the ability to exercise their right to solemnize marriage. We believe that choosing a life partner, and choosing someone to officially bless that union, is an inalienable right that belongs
American Marriage Ministries is a non-profit, interfaith and non-denominational church, founded in 2009. Our mission is to ensure that all people have the ability to exercise their right to solemnize marriage. We believe that choosing a life partner, and choosing someone to officially bless that union, is an inalienable right that belongs to all people. Your spiritual freedom is protected by the religious non-establishment clause of the 1st Amendment. AMM Profile
Kentucky Colonel
Ordained Minister
Ordained Minister
The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. It is recognition of an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state and nation. Edward rec
The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. It is recognition of an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state and nation. Edward received his official title in 1991 from a summer stock production at The Pioner Playhouse in Danville, KY.
GMCSF
Learn about the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida. With more than 130 singing members, Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida is the southeastern United States' largest LGBTQ+ chorus. GMCSF is also one of the country's top 10 largest LGBTQ+ choruses.