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. TNC's New York team, 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 TNC.

AnneMarie Blancato, Director of Finance

AnneMarie oversees the financial health of The Nature Conservancy in New York, which entails developing, monitoring and balancing the operating and capital budgets, tracking long-range plans, and aligning efforts with other departments to prepare and track business plans. AnneMarie has successfully established and executed vision, maintained synergy with Board members, and developed effective strategies and plans since she joined TNC in 2019. In 2020, she was recruited to serve on the Director of Finance Operations Cabinet for TNC.

Stuart Gruskin, Senior Advisor

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 TNC’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 TNC’s Appalachian Focal Place, one of four landscapes that are globally significant for carbon and biodiversity.

Sandy Humphrey, Director of Talent

Sandy provides strategic Human Resource guidance to the New York Division and the broader Nature Conservancy, and brings a global perspective to ensure the organizational structure and talent of New York are optimized. She is committed to the evolution of the culture; diversity, equity, inclusion and justice efforts, and developing the team into strong leaders and contributors. 

Monica Anzaldi, Chief of Staff and Director of Operations

Monica Anzaldi joined The Nature Conservancy in 2022 as the New York Chief of Staff. In 2025, she assumed the role of New York Director of Operations in addition to her Chief of Staff duties. She leads a variety of initiatives and projects and provides strategic, substantive and operational support to the Executive Director, the New York Division and the broader TNC. She has over 25 years of experience supporting organizations in developing their vision, building relationships with critical stakeholders and executing sustainable, long-term, programmatic and operational strategies.

Monica holds a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from Johns Hopkins University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies from Duke University. In 2018, she earned a certification from Columbia Business School’s Senior Leaders Program for nonprofit executives, in which she studied leadership credos, network building, DEI and more with other top organizational leaders.

Monica resides with her family in the greater New York City area.

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 TNC'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.

Liz Freirich, Director of Development

Liz is The Nature Conservancy's New York Director of Development, leading the team responsible for fundraising for the organization’s New York State conservation work. With over 20 years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising and organizational development, Liz has led transformative initiatives across nonprofit organizations, secured multimillion-dollar portfolios, and fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation while delivering measurable impact.

Jessica Ottney Mahar, Policy and Strategy Director

Jessica Ottney Mahar is The Nature Conservancy’s New York Policy and Strategy Director. She leads TNC's New York policy team and oversees conservation programs across the state. Since joining TNC 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.