Lizzy Gilbert

Director of Development

Lizzy Gilbert came to Audubon Nebraska in July 2020 as Director of Development. At Audubon, Lizzy is responsible for securing major gifts to support statewide programs and both of Audubon's nature centers in Nebraska. Previously, she served as Associate Vice President of Alumnae and Donor Relations for College of Saint Mary in Omaha, where she worked to procure major gifts for the university and oversaw annual giving efforts.

A York, Nebraska, native, Lizzy previously worked for the Omaha Community Playhouse and Anti-Defamation League-Plains States Region. Lizzy earned a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Nebraska Wesleyan.

Conservation Influence

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in nature with my grandmother, Marlene Rasmussen. She loves birds and has advocated for the need to protect the Platte River throughout her life. Through a lifetime spent educating youth in Litchfield, NE, she has contributed to creating a culture of conservation, just like Audubon works to do. In some small way, I hope to carry on her work by raising critical funds to support our mission to protect birds and bird habitat.

Favorite Bird

I find it nearly impossible to select just one, but I simply love Kildeer. Visually, I love the distinctive dark ring around their neck and the orange, almost copper, colors that are exposed when they are in flight. But more than anything, as a parent, I relate to their willingness to risk their own safety in protection of their young. I have had several experiences with a kildeer awkwardly fluttering in front of my vehicle, as if injured, to draw potential predators away for it’s young. I admire the Kildeer’s selfless love of it’s offspring.