Profile
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. After that, 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 in 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.
Edward received the 2023 Champion Award for his commitment and dedication to GMCSF.
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 popular social media brand influencer associated with WW: Weight Watchers Reimagined, 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.
Throughout his career, Mr. Zielke has had the privilege to get to have conversations with several LGBTQ+ activists and notables.
- Judy Shepard–mother of Matthew Shepard, activist, co-founders of the Matthew Shepard Foundation
- Larry Kramer–playwright, author, public health advocate, co-founded AAIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) & Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC)
- Tony Kushner–author, playwright, and screenwriter, Angels in America
- Billie Jean King–Former world tennis champion, advocate of gender equality
- Peter Staley–political activist, co-founded ACT UP
- Cleve Jones–NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, San Francisco AIDS Foundation
LGBTQ+
Serving on the Communications Committee since 2022. GALA Choruses leads the North American LGBTQ+ choral movement. Over 190 member choruses and their 10,000 singers look to GALA for support and leadership.
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.
Edward is an 8 year member of the GFLGLCC - Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce: promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community.
Edward has partnered with several chapters for the Human Rights Campaign including New York City and South Florida regions, working on their comuunications team.
Honorary Titles
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 to all people. Your spiritual freedom is protected by the religious non-establishment clause of the 1st Amendment. AMM Profile
Kentucky Colonel
Edward received his official title in 1991 from a summer stock production at The Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, KY. 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.