Patricia Watson

As chief philanthropy officer, Pat is responsible for implementing and leading the expansion of a comprehensive strategic, creative, and entrepreneurial development program that affirms and celebrates The Trust for Public Land’s mission and impact and sustains our future growth.

Pat has an extensive and diverse fundraising background, having served in several senior positions throughout her career. Before joining The Trust for Public Land, Pat was Senior Vice President of Executive Practice at Grenzebach Glier and Associates, where she provided senior-level counsel on fundraising growth strategies, campaign planning, and execution frameworks, major and principal gift development, and organizational and operational expertise. Prior to that, Pat served as the Senior Vice President of Advancement at Brown University and Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development at Cornell University.

She brings a personal commitment to our mission, spending a great deal of her time outside of work exploring urban and coastal parks near her home in Providence, Rhode Island. An active rower and avid fly fisher, Pat spends as much time as possible on the water. She also volunteers her time on the Board of Governors of the Narragansett Boat Club and as a member of the American Museum of Fly Fishing Board of Directors

Pat holds a M.A. in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and a B.S. in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University.