Elena Garofalo Sammartano is a nonprofit fundraising and partnership leader with more than 15 years of experience connecting people, ideas, and resources to advance mission-driven organizations. At the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), she leads institutional philanthropy efforts that support world-class science, horticulture, education, exhibitions, and community engagement. Throughout her career, Elena has secured tens of millions of dollars in funding from foundations, government agencies, multilateral institutions, corporations, and individual donors, helping organizations address some of society’s most pressing challenges. Her work has spanned a range of critical subjects, including women’s health and rights, community development, education, environmental stewardship, and social justice.

Elena has dedicated her career to advancing solutions that strengthen communities, promote health and well-being, and foster lasting social and environmental impact. She is particularly passionate about the growing recognition that nature can play a profound role in human and planetary health and about building the partnerships, resources, and connections that help people and communities thrive.

Elena holds a Master of Public Administration from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Italian from Mount Holyoke College.