Zita Cobb
2012 St. John's Speaker
Zita Cobb
Plenary Speaker
Founder
Shorefast Foundation
An Outport Newfoundland Journey: Discovering New Ways in an Old Continuity
Zita Cobb grew up on Fogo Island and went on to a career as a senior finance professional in the
high technology industry. She was the chief financial officer of JDS Fitel, and senior vice president of strategy for fiber optics manufacturer JDS Uniphase. In 2001, Cobb left the industry to pursue her personal goals and to dedicate her energies to philanthropic work. She founded the Shorefast Foundation, moved home to Fogo Island (while maintaining a residence in Ottawa) and is now actively involved in projects to contribute to a resilient and vibrant future for Fogo Island and Change Islands.