Nicki Pezzulo is a seasoned nonprofit leader with nearly 25 years of experience in development and communications. She currently serves as the Chief Development Officer at United Way of the Greater Capital Region, where she is reshaping the organization’s resource development strategy to support its five-year goal of becoming a $10 million organization.
In this role, Nicki redesigned the development program to ensure United Way has the technological and human resource infrastructure needed for long-term growth. She oversees corporate, foundation, and individual relations, and integrates all fundraising channels to ensure seamless, brand-aligned messaging and a unified donor experience.
Nicki brings broad experience across the for-impact sector, having held leadership roles in international organizations such as NABU and SOS Children’s Villages USA, as well as major local institutions including the Albany Med Foundation, where she was part of the team that led the $149 million Lifeline Campaign. This cross-sector perspective informs her belief that transformative change happens where nonprofit collaboration, board accountability, donor confidence, and human-centered design meet - a philosophy that guides her work to empower communities and advance equity and social justice.
A lifelong resident of the Capital Region, Nicki holds a BA in Political Science from Siena College. She is a dedicated mother to her nine-year-old daughter, Lucy, and a 14-year-old chocolate lab, Sampson. In her free time, she loves to read, exercise, spend time outdoors, and be with friends and family.
As a “humble warrior,” Nicki leads with authenticity, empathy, courage, and humor. Above all, she values meaningful connection, believing that leadership is defined by impact, not titles.