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.

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.

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. Edward is also no stranger to the 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.”