Gary Laermer is a nationally recognized nonprofit and fundraising strategist with more than three decades of executive leadership experience across healthcare, higher education, and human services. As a Senior Consultant with DBD Group, Gary brings a distinctive perspective shaped by his years as a nonprofit CEO, Chief Development Officer, and advancement leader guiding teams through transformational campaigns.
Having partnered with campaign consultants during his own tenure at important nonprofits, Gary deeply understands what executives, staff, and volunteer leaders need from a trusted advisor and coach. He is known for delivering strategic, relationship-centered counsel that aligns organizational priorities, donor motivations, and internal capacity to drive sustainable philanthropic growth.
Throughout his career, Gary has designed and led campaigns that have secured transformational gifts up to eight figures, strengthened institutional culture, and equipped boards and executive teams to advance ambitious missions. His leadership roles include President & CEO and SVP & Chief Development Officer, YMCA; Director of Field Services and Chief Operating Officer, Boy Scouts of America; Senior Director of Development and Vice President of Development, two major New York medical centers and Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, Pace University.
In every organization he has served, Gary has transformed advancement operations, built aligned, high-performing teams and created donor engagement strategies that increased major, transformational, and planned gift commitments.
Gary provides seasoned, highly customized consulting support across the full spectrum of advancement needs, including:
In addition to his executive experience, Gary is committed to advancing the fundraising profession. He has served as President of the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) New York City Chapter, where he championed ethical fundraising, professional growth, and sector-wide excellence. His work has supported development professionals and nonprofit organizations of all sizes in strengthening their culture of philanthropy.
Gary is sought after for his authentic, strategic, and collaborative consulting style. He works closely with CEOs, boards, and development teams clarify strategic priorities; build strong internal cultures that support philanthropy and design donor-centered strategies that unlock new revenue. His deep understanding of the pressures faced by nonprofit leadership—combined with his campaign expertise and operational acumen—makes him a trusted advisor to mission-driven organizations nationwide.
Gary lives in the New York metro area and enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading fiction, and making a continued effort to get to the gym more regularly.