NEBF Appoints Clare Dowd as Executive Director

IPSWICH, Mass. (May 7, 2026) — The New England Biolabs Foundation (NEBF) has appointed Clare Dowd as its new Executive Director, succeeding Jessica Brown. Dowd brings over 30 years of international development experience to the role, having spent the last two decades leading the Creative Action Institute, a key strategic partner of NEBF. Board Chair Heidi Ellard noted that Dowd’s deep history with grantees and her proven track record in capacity building make her the ideal leader to guide the foundation's next chapter.

In her new position, Dowd will collaborate with the Board of Directors to execute a global philanthropic strategy that links nature and culture. Her extensive background includes spearheading climate resilience, leadership, and advocacy initiatives across Central America, Andean South America, East Africa, and West Africa. Expressing honor in leading an organization she has partnered with for 20 years, Dowd stated that she looks forward to deepening NEBF’s impact by directly supporting the local communities at the forefront of conservation.