Senior Consultant, DBD Group LLC

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. A Senior Consultant with DBD Group, Gary brings a distinctive, practical perspective shaped by his years as a nonprofit CEO, Chief Development Officer, and advancement leader guiding organizations through transformational campaigns. He is known for delivering strategic, relationship-centered counsel that aligns organizational priorities, donor motivations, and internal capacity—helping leaders build sustainable philanthropic growth through major and planned giving.

Throughout his career, Gary has designed and led initiatives that 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 at the YMCA; Director of Field Services and Chief Operating Officer at the Boy Scouts of America; senior development roles at two major New York medical centers; and Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at Pace University. A committed advocate for the fundraising profession, Gary also served as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) New York City Chapter, championing ethical practice and professional excellence—an approach he brings to every engagement with clients nationwide.