Expanding What’s Possible: Amy Gilbert Fehir Joins Activate

We’re thrilled to welcome Amy Gilbert Fehir to Activate as our new Chief Development Officer. An innovative nonprofit leader and powerhouse fundraiser, she brings two decades of experience across the environment, health, and finance sectors, where she has led strategies that have generated hundreds of millions of dollars for mission-driven organizations.

As Activate enters its next chapter, Fehir brings a clear perspective on the role development can play in unlocking impact. “It’s about more than raising resources,” she said. “It’s about enabling organizations to dream bigger and deliver on that vision.”

“At Activate, it’s about helping funders see that they aren’t just writing a check—they’re investing in bold people tackling the world’s toughest challenges, and they get to be part of that journey.”

Introducing Amy Gilbert Fehir, Chief Development Officer at Activate

Fehir has been a hands-on advocate since the start of her career. Her first role was as a National Park Service Ranger—an experience that came full circle when she became the Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks. She spent nearly a decade leading the organization through significant growth, and she now serves as a Senior Advisor.

Most recently, Fehir was the Head of Development for the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, where she leveraged fundraising to advance real-world scientific impact. Designing and launching the organization’s first fundraising strategy, she was able to secure $30M in new commitments in just two years.

Fehir has also worked with the Milken Institute, the United Nations Foundation, Conservation International, and the World Health Organization. She holds a B.A. in political science and public health from Boston University and a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University.

“Amy brings a principled approach to building a culture of growth and partnership,” said Activate CEO Cyrus Wadia. “With two decades of fundraising leadership and deep experience across both government and philanthropy, she offers a fresh perspective that will help Activate strengthen its community of supporters and expand its impact.”

We sat down with Fehir to find out more about her connection to Activate and her vision for the future.

Why Activate?

What really drew me to Activate is its mission. I call myself an “enlightened capitalist” because I believe deeply in the power of business to do good while also driving success. Profit and purpose aren’t opposites—they can reinforce each other when done thoughtfully. Activate embodies that philosophy: empowering entrepreneurial scientists to turn breakthrough ideas into solutions that deliver real societal benefit and, ultimately, economic value. For me, this is the kind of place where my belief in aligning purpose with performance comes alive.

What’s your vision for what you'll achieve in this role?

My vision for this role is to unlock the full potential of Activate’s model by ensuring we have the resources and partnerships to scale.

“Imagine a future where every promising scientist with a world-changing idea has the support to pursue it. I want to help build that future.”

That means not only raising the funds but also cultivating a community of partners who see themselves as co-builders of this movement. Ultimately, success in this role means Activate has the capacity to back more innovators, enter new sectors, and drive even greater societal impact.

What makes you excited about the future at Activate?

What excites me most about Activate’s future is the timing. We’re in a moment when the world urgently needs scientific solutions—in climate, in technology, in energy—and Activate is uniquely positioned to deliver by empowering the people who will create them. To be part of shaping that next chapter, to help Activate grow its reach and amplify its influence, is incredibly energizing.

“I see Activate as not just supporting innovators, but leading a broader shift in how society invests in science—and I’m thrilled at the chance to help drive that vision forward.”

We invite you to connect with Fehir to share your perspectives, ideas, and hopes for Activate’s future. She’s eager to hear from our partners and continue building on our successes together.