Founding Principal of Pathfinder Philanthropy Advisors, Elaine Walsh Carney has 35 years of service to the nonprofit, social venture startup, and government sectors. Elaine specializes in fund development, philanthropy, facilitation, mediation, and negotiation. Ms. Carney’s passion is developing and supporting a “Culture of Philanthropy” in the organizations that she serves. Her areas of expertise include capital campaign planning, management and implementation, the facilitation of collaborative processes, creation, and implementation of strategic plans, in addition to volunteer training and coaching. Elaine’s experience as a consultant in the non-profit and conflict resolution fields and her previous work as an Instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) provide a strong foundation for her current work.

Ms. Carney has lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for over thirty years, where she has been an active participant and leader in the vibrant regional nonprofit community. Elaine served as the Advisory Council Co-Chair of the National Outdoor Leadership School from 2007 - 2010 and participated as a general member of the council from 2003 to 2007. From 2010 to 2018 she served on State of Wyoming Agriculture and Natural Resources Mediation Board, appointed by Governor Dave Freudenthal and Governor Matt Mead of the State of Wyoming.

Ms. Carney is currently focused on Democracy and Global Climate Change Mitigation for her personal board service. Elaine served from 2012 -2020 on the Board of Directors of Western Resource Advocates, a conservation organization based in Boulder, Colorado focused on protecting the West’s land, air, and water to ensure that vibrant communities exist in balance with nature. In 2017, Ms. Carney was appointed by Jackson Hole elected officials to serve on the Board of Energy Conservation Works, a joint powers Board and partnership between the Town of Jackson, Teton County, Lower Valley Energy, and a wide spectrum of organizations to implement and advocate for energy conservation and carbon emissions reduction in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Elaine also serves on the boards of Issue One and the Northern Kenya Fund. Ms. Carney is a dedicated conservationist, an avid skier, hiker, and tennis player who enjoys traveling and spending time in the mountains.