Katherine Baer
Katherine Baer is primarily responsible for grants in ZSR’s focus area of Fostering a Healthy and Sustainable Environment in the State-Level Systemic Change strategy.
As a longtime environmental advocate, Katherine has worked for River Network, American Rivers, Triangle Land Conservancy, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and the Center for Progressive Reform. She has led efforts to improve policies and practices for clean water and healthy communities at the local, state and national levels, including testifying before congressional committees, developing coalitions and serving on state and national working groups on topics including drought management and climate change adaptation. She also has deep experience in providing strategic leadership across a variety of programs and scales, working with a diverse range of partners to catalyze change.
Most recently, as Vice President for Programs at River Network, Katherine led, aligned and leveraged the organization’s efforts to build an inclusive network and strengthen the capacity of local groups nationwide for safe and affordable drinking water, healthy rivers and climate-resilient communities. While at American Rivers, Katherine led a team of policy and technical experts working to advance green infrastructure through successful advocacy for increased funding and stronger permits and policies, working with a diverse array of partners.
She holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland, an M.S. in Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development from the University of Georgia, and a B.A. in environmental studies from Stanford University. Outside of work, Katherine enjoys trail running with friends, spending time with her family (including one dog and three cats), reading mysteries, eating dark chocolate and volunteering as a local race director.