FAYE NELSON
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Faye leads the development team and works with colleagues and board members to design and implement fundraising plans and secure financial support. She has primary responsibility for grants management and provides oversight for individual and annual giving, database management and gift processing. She is also an important member of GYC’s Leadership Team and ensures development functions are well coordinated across all parts of the organization, including conservation programs, marketing and communications, and finance.
Faye is a fourth-generation Montanan born and raised in Bozeman. Her grandmother was born in a cabin at the base of the Beartooth Pass and Faye spent summer vacations at the family's two-room cabin outside of Red Lodge. Her career has been in support of non-profits working in the Pacific Northwest and Montana, mostly in fundraising and executive roles including American Wildlands, Red Feather Development Group, Warriors & Quiet Waters, and Casting for Recovery. She gained grant management experience at those institutions as well as Lewis & Clark College and Montana State University. The University of Puget Sound is Faye's alma mater.
Outside of GYC, Faye can be found spending time with her husband, three kids and dog. She enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, fishing and tennis.
Book or Podcast I’d Recommend - True West by Betsy Gaines Quammen
Favorite GYC Conservation Win - The East Rosebud Wild and Scenic River Act
Favorite Season in Greater Yellowstone and Why? The fall because of the intense colors, lower temperatures, and plump wildlife.