Mary Nemerov

Mary Nemerov is Chief Philanthropy Officer at the California Academy of Sciences. In this role, Nemerov works closely with the Academy’s Board of Trustees and a team of development professionals to raise philanthropic gifts that support the institution’s world-class scientific research, environmental literacy programs, conservation initiatives, and public museum. An accomplished fundraiser with more than 20 years of experience, Nemerov joined the Academy in July 2020.

Prior to joining the Academy, Nemerov spent 13 years at the Sierra Club, where she served as their 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 gifts efforts. Beyond her remarkable career accomplishments, Nemerov is known as an exceptional leader and supportive manager with an interest in developing and retaining top talent. 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 also serves as chair of the board of Environmental Leadership Professionals, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting visionary, action-oriented, and diverse leadership at environmental and social change organizations. Born and raised in San Francisco, she 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.