Chelsea Mahaffey is a plant and wildlife enthusiast who believes everyone deserves access to the outdoors. As the Legacy Society Manager at the National Wildlife Federation, she builds relationships with donors and helps connect their passions for wildlife with the Federation's mission. She loves nothing more than showing how their impact will create a better world.
Before joining the Federation in 2025, Chelsea spent years working in the public garden world, beginning in horticulture and eventually moving into fundraising. Through her work in gardens, she learned the importance of plant and habitat preservation. She put her firsthand knowledge to use as a fundraiser and found joy in connecting people with our conservation work.
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Chelsea earned a B.S. in Horticulture from Temple University and a certificate in Management Development from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. She now lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she spends her free time volunteering at her local animal shelter, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and tending to her garden. She is happiest when she is learning about plants and finding new reasons to get outside.
