Carolyn Bess - Vice President

A 1994 Echoing Green Fellow, Carolyn founded and directed Boston-based Outdoor Explorations, a nonprofit organization that brings together people with and without disabilities through outdoor adventure and environmental service programs. Now in its fifteenth year, the organization has served over 13,000 people in New England. In addition to this endeavor, Carolyn has consulted to nonprofit and governmental agencies focused on fundraising and strategy, including Pathfinders International, the National Park Service, Urban Ecology Institute, and Boston University.

Carolyn has a Bachelor of Arts in biology and psychology from Wesleyan University, a Masters in education with a specialization in therapeutic recreation from Boston University, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. In 2000, she was awarded Boston’s Magic 106.7 "Exceptional Women’s Award" in Business. She has also been featured in Self magazine’s “How to Change the World Before You Are 40.”

What drew you to work at Echoing Green?

I was a fellow in 1994-1998 and have adored the community, mission, and impact on the world since the day I got involved.

What book are you currently reading?

Water for Elephants

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Spin, trail-run, hike, beach, hang with people I love

When was your last Be Bold moment?

Negotiating Echoing Green’s first $1m gift

In the next month, I plan to…

Set the stage for another strong year of fundraising, with new leaders, strategies, and programs. Cannot wait to raise next year’s budget to ensure another spectacular year of social change!!