About: Staff

Laura James has over 20 years experience in all areas of development. Her previous positions include leadership positions at several major New York cultural institutions, including Director of Major Gifts at the Wildlife Conservation Society; Head of Development and Public Affairs at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum; and Assistant Director of Development at the American Museum of Natural History. Her experience at social service organizations and educational institutions includes Consultant for Institutional Advancement at the Cooke Center for Learning and Development, serving children with special needs; Director of Development for the Bowery Residents Committee, serving the street homeless; Development Director for GLSEN, the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network, a national organization working to create safe schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, staff, and families; and Grants Development Officer at Teachers College, Columbia University.