Director of Development

Forests, People, Climate (FPC), a collaborative of funders and civil society organizations seeking to  halt and reverse tropical deforestation while supporting just, sustainable development, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Nemerov as the inaugural Director of Development, effective May 13, 2024. Working with the Climate and Land Use Alliance, which hosts the FPC Secretariat, and reporting to CLUA’s Executive Director, Nemerov will work collaboratively with key partners to raise greater philanthropic support for civil society organizations, aligned with FPC’s strategic priorities.

Nemerov joins FPC from the California Academy of Sciences (Cal Academy or the Academy) where she has served as chief philanthropy officer since 2020. An effective fundraiser and thoughtful contributor on the senior leadership team, Nemerov guided the development team through the launch of Cal Academy’s new mission to regenerate the natural world, initiating and expanding the Academy’s direct response fundraising efforts and helping to raise over $90 million toward a $200 million campaign goal. Nemerov has also been a strong supporter of the Academy’s efforts to become a more inclusive organization, serving as executive sponsor of the Indigenous Solidarity group and playing a lead role in the Academy’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts. Prior to Cal Academy, Nemerov spent 13 years at the Sierra Club, where she served as the national chief advancement officer leading a team of more than 80 people. In this role, she was instrumental in raising hundreds of millions of dollars in support and managed membership and direct marketing, planned giving, business partnerships, and major gift efforts. Prior to her time at the Sierra Club, Nemerov spent eight years honing her talent for conservation-focused fundraising with the Trust for Public Land, working primarily to support projects across New England.

Nemerov holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in urban and environmental planning from the University of Michigan.

Rachel Ellenport led this search with Nicole Poe and Megan Gorman.