Patricia Watson

As chief philanthropy officer, Pat is responsible for implementing and leading a comprehensive strategic, creative, and entrepreneurial fundraising and engagement program that affirms and celebrates TPL’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 where she provided strategic counsel on fundraising growth strategies, campaign planning and execution, major and principal gifts, and operational expertise. Before joining TPL, Pat was senior vice president of executive practice at Grenzebach Glier and Associates, senior vice president of advancement at Brown University, senior associate vice president for alumni affairs and development at Cornell University, and Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering at Syracuse University. Pat also spent time working in design and manufacturing, and economic development.

She brings a personal commitment to TPL’s mission, spending a great deal of her time outside exploring parks, lakes, and trails near her home in the Finger Lakes of New York State. An active rower and avid fly fisher, Pat spends as much time as possible on the water. She a member of the American Museum of Fly Fishing Board of Directors and a Trustee of the USRowing Foundation.

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.