Join us in welcoming Chris Ott, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s new Major Gift Officer. We sat down with Chris so you could learn more about his background, path to fundraising, and passion for conservation and sustainability. Welcome to the Foundation, Chris!
Chris on a hike. Photo courtesy of Chris Ott
My connection to nature
I remember coming back to Wisconsin once in my early 20s after having the chance to live for a few years in places like New Mexico, New England, and DC. I liked them all, but driving with my dad toward Lake Michigan that day and looking out the open window on a late, sunny, summer afternoon, I remember saying, “It’s pretty here.”
I grew up in Wisconsin—first in Milwaukee and then in the town of Fredonia in Ozaukee County. From an early age, during outdoor trips all over Wisconsin and sometimes further, my parents encouraged an appreciation for nature: camping, hiking, and sometimes watching the night sky. I still remember the first time I really saw the Milky Way clearly from a dark campsite on Siskiwit Lake. Amazing!
Chris and his family while on a hike in the mountains. Photo courtesy of Chris Ott
We still hike and travel together today. My husband and I also regularly visit the great county and state parks in the Madison area that are dog-friendly (we have two). Our favorite Wisconsin parks include Cherokee Marsh, Governor Nelson, Indian Lake, and Harrington Beach. I also like to cook and over the last few years have gotten into vegetable gardening a little, and planning meals based on what looks good at farmers markets.
Chris getting some nature time while walking his dogs. Photo courtesy of Chris Ott
From social justice to sustainability
I’ve spent more than 20 years working for nonprofit organizations. I served as the first executive director for Fair Wisconsin, working for equal marriage rights. For the American Civil Liberties Union, I worked as communications director in Massachusetts, then as executive director back here in my home state. In both Massachusetts and Wisconsin, we worked for things like free speech, greater government transparency, police accountability, digital privacy, and immigrants’ rights.
Because I had long wanted to work for sustainability as well, I took a job in 2021 with the national High Speed Rail Alliance, which works for modern transportation. Thanks in part to Alliance advocacy, Illinois today has trains that go as fast as 110 mph. It’s impressive to ride them when they run right alongside a highway and clearly leave cars and trucks behind. It would be great to have trains at least this good in lots more places—and if we electrify them, they can run on renewable energy and travel even faster.
Chris walking his dog in the snow. Photo courtesy of Chris Ott
Making a difference through donor relations
Through the years, working with donors has gradually become a bigger part of my work. I like getting to know people and letting them know how they can make a difference.
I’m excited now to do this with NRF because of its direct focus on conservation. We face a lot of challenges—politically and in the actual natural world around us. It’s more important than ever to protect what we can and lay foundations for a better future.
I’m already enjoying meeting NRF members and supporters who feel the same way, and want to help expand what we can do together!
Please join us in welcoming Chris!
Written by Chris Ott, Major Gift Officer