Bethany Mueller

About Bethany Mueller

I use my relationship-building skills to identify partnerships that have captured millions of dollars to advance economic, social, and environmental/climate-related solutions, including investments for natural climate solutions, economic development initiatives such as enhanced infrastructure financing districts, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, brownfield remediation and development, disaster recovery efforts for small businesses, and funding for feasibility studies, among others. I have always been interested in the intersection of economic development, social, and environmental justice to maximize benefits to society and communities. Born and raised on a 99-acre family-owned farm and forest in West Michigan, I spent my early childhood exploring the woods and fields, which shaped my love of the natural world. I also had a deep desire to explore the world beyond my small town and spent fifteen years living and working in the deep South, west coast, and southeastern regions of the United States with my spouse while he simultaneously grew his forestry career within the USDA. I also studied abroad twice while a student at Michigan State University - once in London, England, and another time where I spent three months living and working in Accra, Ghana. As a student at MSU, I was engaged in renewable energy advocacy and social justice advocacy with the Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan Student Sustainability Coalition and Women\'s Council. I was a Demmers Scholar where I worked as forest policy intern for The Wilderness Society in Washington, D.C. for one summer. I hold a Masters in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary\'s University of Minnesota. I am a Certified Fund Raising Executive, which I earned in 2017. I am the first person in my family to graduate from college. I descend from generations of small farmers/landowners, skilled trade workers, factory workers, domestic homemakers, and generally blue-collar working class; this has played an essential role in defining my core values around class justice, social justice, and equity.

Experience

1. Senior Manager, Climate Donor Relations

   American Forest Foundation

   Jan 2023 — Present

   With the Sr. Director of Development and Stewardship Manager, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with federal and state partners to advance the work of the American Forest Foundation and the Family Forest Carbon Program- Manage editorial calendar and production of Woodland Magazine, a quarterly publication delivered to donors who give $35 or more.

Education

• Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

  Master’s Degree, Philanthropy & Development, 4.0

  2015 — 2017

• Michigan State University

  James Madison College, Comparative Cultures and Politics