Abby Schaefer

Chief Board Relations Officer

Abby Schaefer serves as principal contact with the NRDC Board of Trustees and advises on key external relationships and special projects for the President. She returned to NRDC in 2011 after 12 years as a fundraising consultant. She originally joined the organization in 1989 as Director of Major gifts and served in that position for nine years. Prior to her return, Schaefer cofounded and co-directed SimpatiCo. Partners, a fundraising consulting firm, where she specialized in major-donor relations, fundraising campaigns, and board and organizational development for a variety of nonprofits in the environmental, educational, performing arts, and social service fields. As a consultant, Schaefer served as NRDC’s fundraising counsel for its successful $550 million Partnership for the Earth campaign, which was completed in 2010. Working closely with senior leadership and the Campaign Steering Committee, she played a key role in designing and implementing all aspects of the campaign. Schaefer has a bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College.