Kristen Sharpless leads fundraising and philanthropic strategy for the Northern Forest Center, building partnerships that connect donors, foundations, and investors with opportunities to strengthen rural communities, expand housing, support climate resilience, and grow forest-based economic opportunity across the Northern Forest region.

Since joining the Center in 2024, Kristen has helped successfully conclude the Northern Forest Fund campaign, raising more than $35 million, and launch its successor, Northern Forest Fund II, a $20 million initiative to accelerate investment in communities across the region. She works closely with the Center’s supporters and funding partners to align philanthropic and investment capital with measurable social, economic, and environmental impact.

Previously, as Executive Director of Stowe Land Trust, Kristen secured more than $13 million through cross-sector partnerships to conserve 3,100 acres of working lands while advancing innovative collaborations at the intersection of conservation, housing, and community development. Throughout her career, she has focused on bringing together people, resources, and place-based solutions to create lasting benefits for rural communities.

Kristen holds a B.A. in Biology from Swarthmore College, an M.S. in Botany from the University of Vermont’s Field Naturalist Program, and is a graduate of the Vermont Leadership Institute.