Matisse Geenty-Hayes
Matisse leads Keep Tahoe Blue’s Philanthropy team, guiding the people, partnerships, and systems that power the organization’s fundraising efforts. She works across the organization to translate Keep Tahoe Blue’s science, advocacy, and on-the-ground impact into philanthropic strategies that grow revenue and deepen donor investment in Lake Tahoe’s future. Matisse believes Keep Tahoe Blue is unique and invaluable in its ability to pair science, cutting-edge technology, community effort, and policy advocacy to care for Lake Tahoe day-to-day while advancing the long-term work needed to preserve the region for generations.
Prior to joining Keep Tahoe Blue, Matisse co-founded a consulting firm that helped mission-driven organizations build stronger fundraising programs, clarify strategy, and navigate organizational change. She served in numerous Interim Philanthropy Director roles in the Bay Area, bringing steady leadership to organizations during moments of growth, transition, and strategic refinement. Before launching her business, she led the philanthropy program at San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers and designed programs for donor and audience growth at performing arts organizations across California.
Matisse holds a Bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara, where she focused on revenue models for cultural organizations navigating the rapidly changing philanthropic landscape of the 21st century. When not working, she enjoys hiking, skiing, playing music, and gardening with her husband, daughter, and springer spaniel, Percy. She serves on the development committee of the Community Foundation of Nevada County and the Board of Directors for Friends of the Nevada County Libraries, and is a passionate Californian dedicated to the future of her home state.