David Thayer
Director of Membership and Annual Giving
David Thayer serves as American Farmland Trust's Director of Membership and Annual Giving, leading national strategies that strengthen supporter engagement, membership growth, donor stewardship, and annual giving. He oversees programs that connect thousands of members, supporters, and donors to AFT's mission while helping build the sustainable philanthropic support needed to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land.
Over more than five years at AFT, David has played a central leadership role in building the organization's modern communications, marketing, and membership capabilities. He helped establish and scale AFT's national marketing function, developed and led a growing team of marketing and membership professionals, expanded the organization's digital and media presence, and strengthened engagement with supporters nationwide. His leadership has contributed to significant growth in audience reach, supporter acquisition, membership revenue, and national visibility.
Today, David leads the integration of membership and annual giving strategies within AFT's Development division, bringing together supporter engagement, donor stewardship, and fundraising into a unified approach to organizational growth. He works across Development, Communications, Programs, and operations to strengthen relationships with supporters, expand annual giving participation, increase unrestricted revenue, and advance AFT's long-term sustainability and mission impact.
Prior to joining AFT, David held leadership roles in consulting, marketing, and business development across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, including positions with Amnesty International, Conservation Law Foundation, Boulder County, and mission-driven startups and consumer brands. His experience spans fundraising, strategic communications, public engagement, brand development, and organizational growth.
David earned a bachelor's degree in Government from Skidmore College and an MBA with concentrations in Marketing and Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business.
