Samantha brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of leading multi-million-dollar campaigns, securing transformational gifts, building national donor engagement strategies, and managing high-performing teams. Before joining TSA in June 2025, she served as Chief Development Officer at Birch Family Services, a leading New York City nonprofit supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Samantha sharpened her development expertise in New York’s mission-driven sector and now applies that experience to advancing TSA’s Strategic Plan and global conservation goals.
Samantha’s passion for conservation and biodiversity runs deep. Raised on a cattle ranch in Colorado, she developed an early appreciation for wildlife, land stewardship, and the delicate balance between people and ecosystems. This lifelong connection to the natural world fuels her commitment to protecting endangered species and advancing global conservation efforts. Joining TSA is both a professional milestone and a personal calling to help secure a future for turtles and tortoises around the world.
She now lives in Naples, Florida, with her husband. In her free time, she enjoys boating, hiking, visiting wildlife centers, and traveling off the beaten path. She looks forward to learning more about TSA’s international programs and building lasting partnerships to support the organization’s next phase of growth.
