Valerie Kind

Valerie joined NPF in 2018 after taking a gap year and traveling the country with her partner.  Having visited more than 20 parks and 20 states on this once-in-a-lifetime camping adventure, it was inevitable that she’d fall head-over-heals in love with our National Park System.

As NPF's Senior Vice President, Major Gifts and Foundation Relations, Valerie leads the regional Major Gift team, Foundation Relations team, and works closely with NPF’s National Council. In all cases, team members work collaboratively to connect donor’s passions to mutual goals, inspiring philanthropic investment in our superb national parks.  In addition, Valerie develops efforts and aligns the teams’ strategic expansion to aid in growth to double the Foundation’s impact to our national parks.  

Over the last 20 years, Valerie has personally raised significant funds for complex organizations, focused on conservation, education, scientific research, health, sustainable farming, and causes to better the local community.  She’s been privileged to lead dynamic teams at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York University Medical Center, Wildlife Conservation Society, and more, together raising millions for exceptional missions.

Valerie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Rochester Institute of Technology and Master of Public Administration degree from Marist College. Valerie is a native of the Northeast, growing up enjoying nature and exploring outdoors, and lived in New York’s Hudson Valley for many years. Today, Valerie calls both Washington D.C. and the rolling hills of Northern Virginia home. When not at work, Valerie can be found discovering a lesser-known national park site, seeking out farmer’s markets, making art or supporting local artisans.