Meet Our Team

Bill Ulfelder, Executive Director

With Bill's leadership, The Nature Conservancy in New York is raising unprecedented resources, investing in cutting-edge science, connecting with new audiences and increasing awareness of key environmental issues. The team at The Nature Conservancy in New York, guided by Bill, is deeply committed to developing a culture that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable for team members, trustees and partners. Bill serves on the Executive Council and North America Cabinet for The Nature Conservancy.

Stuart Gruskin, Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer

Stu is responsible for developing and supervising implementation of the conservation and policy work at The Nature Conservancy in New York, as well as guiding The Nature Conservancy’s Cities Network across the United States. He is particularly interested in how we can apply methods of innovation from other sectors to accelerate and enhance our conservation impacts.

Marci Bortman, Director of Conservation and Science

Marci advances innovative nature-based solutions to ensure resilient lands and waters for tackling climate change and protecting biodiversity. She sets conservation strategy and co-leads marine and terrestrial science, policy, restoration and stewardship for The Nature Conservancy in New York. Marci currently serves as the New York Division’s representative for The Nature Conservancy’s Appalachian Focal Place, one of four landscapes that are globally significant for carbon and biodiversity.

Dana Geller, Director of Marketing and Communications

Dana Geller oversees marketing and communications activities across the New York Division, which are designed to elevate the profile of The Nature Conservancy by engaging, inspiring and growing support and influence for the organization’s mission and work. She serves on the New York Executive Team as well as the North America Marketing and Communications Leadership Team. Dana brings global, large-scale thinking focused on connecting colleagues and optimizing outcomes. A life-long nature enthusiast and adventure traveler, Dana is passionate about mentoring and motivating her teams to feel energized and proud of their work.

Michael Rodgers, Director of Development

Michael is the New York Director of Development, leading the team responsible for fundraising for the organization’s New York State conservation work and the national Cities Network. In addition to managing this team, he is committed to helping develop The Nature Conservancy’s equitable conservation, urban conservation, and environmental justice principles and practices into strategies to drive philanthropic support.

Jessica Ottney Mahar, Policy and Strategy Director

Jessica Ottney Mahar is The Nature Conservancy’s New York Policy and Strategy Director. She leads The Nature Conservancy’s New York policy team and oversees conservation programs across the state. Since joining The Nature Conservancy in 2007, Jessica and her team have successfully advocated for the enactment of dozens of laws and regulations, including the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and helped secure billions in funding to protect and restore New York’s natural resources and address global warming. She also currently serves on numerous nonprofit boards.