Rachel has 25 years of experience leading organizations and programs across government and nonprofit sectors, from small community-based initiatives to large international efforts. With expertise in strategic planning, fundraising and financial management, marketing, organizational transition management, and board development, she has successfully guided teams through growth, change, and impact-driven initiatives. Passionate about environmental sustainability, community engagement, and the arts, Rachel is dedicated to helping organizations build capacity, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting change.
Rachel began her career as a research scientist at the Smithsonian Institution, studying mangrove forests across the tropics and subtropics. After earning her Master’s in Marine Sciences from the University of Maryland, she transitioned from environmental research to supporting environmental and sustainability initiatives. Over the years, she has managed programs and secured funding for a diverse range of organizations, including tribal and municipal governments, small local nonprofits, and international NGOs. Along the way, she earned a Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego.
Driven by a desire to lead an organization and make a direct impact on the community, Rachel took on her first Executive Director role at Friends of Fort Point Channel in downtown Boston. There, she worked closely with the board and stakeholders to grow the organization from a one-person operation to a team of four, implementing right-sized systems to improve efficiency. Her passion for helping organizations grow and engage their communities ultimately led her to establish her own consultancy, where she supports nonprofits in their development and strategic initiatives.
In addition to her expertise in environmental sustainability and place-based initiatives, Rachel is passionate about the arts and youth development. She serves as an Essex Heritage Commissioner and sits on the Steering Committee for the arts at a local community foundation, helping to support the sector through grantmaking and professional development. She lives in the spooky city of Salem, Massachusetts, where she attempts to keep up with her garden and her two sporty kids.
LinkedIn: Rachel Borgatti