Gary Laermer helps nonprofit leaders navigate transformational growth with confidence. Enthusiastic, curious, and organized, he brings the perspective of someone who has served as both a nonprofit executive and the client of campaign consultants.
Gary Laermer understands the power of generosity on a deeply personal level. He benefited from a scholarship from a donor he had never met, making it possible for him to attend college and build a career from there. That experience showed him how one person's generosity can open doors, shape a life, and create change far beyond the original gift.
Throughout more than three decades of executive leadership, Gary has guided nonprofit organizations through transformational campaigns, organizational growth, and periods of significant change. Having served as both a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer, he understands firsthand the competing priorities nonprofit leaders balance and what they need from a trusted advisor. That perspective shapes every client partnership, allowing him to offer practical guidance grounded in real-world leadership experience.
As a Senior Consultant with DBD Group, Gary works alongside executive leaders, boards, and advancement teams to strengthen fundraising strategy, prepare organizations for comprehensive and capital campaigns, build cultures of philanthropy, and develop donor-centered approaches that support long-term success. His work spans campaign planning, feasibility studies, development assessments, board governance, leadership coaching, major and planned giving strategy, foundation relations, and donor pipeline development.
Over the course of his career, Gary has helped organizations secure transformational gifts reaching eight figures while strengthening advancement operations, aligning leadership teams, and building fundraising programs designed to sustain mission for generations to come. His leadership experience includes executive roles with the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, major New York medical centers, and Pace University, where he consistently helped organizations strengthen philanthropy while advancing ambitious institutional goals.
Clients value Gary's ability to ask thoughtful questions, bring clarity to complex challenges, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, he works collaboratively with each organization to develop strategies that reflect its culture, priorities, and aspirations.
Beyond his consulting work, Gary has remained deeply committed to advancing the fundraising profession. As former President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) New York City Chapter, he championed ethical fundraising, professional development, and excellence across the nonprofit sector, mentoring leaders and supporting organizations of every size.
Gary lives in the New York metropolitan area and enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting lost in a good novel, and reminding himself that another trip to the gym is always a good idea.
Based in: New York metropolitan area
Passionate about: Laughter, enthusiasm, and helping nonprofit leaders turn bold visions into lasting impact
Ask Gary about: Campaign strategy, nonprofit leadership, or keeping the big thing the big thing