Our Team — Nest

Executive Leadership Team

Rebecca, Nest’s Founder and Executive Director, leads a nonprofit committed to advancing gender equity and economic inclusion in the artisan and maker economy. Since founding Nest in 2006 at age 24, she has partnered with major brands like Etsy and Patagonia to support over 250,000 artisans across 120+ countries. Noteworthy achievements include launching Nest Standards for Homes and Small Workshops at the United Nations in 2017, setting standards for improving the rights and wellbeing of millions of home-based workers worldwide. Recognized as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and recipient of prestigious awards such as the Elevate Prize, Rebecca's leadership has garnered international recognition and media attention, reshaping perceptions around handmade goods and empowering communities globally.
Read more about Rebecca.

Chris joined the Nest team in 2011 and is currently the Nest’s CFO/COO where he oversees all finances and operations of the organization including programming for 2,000+ businesses across 120+ countries, focusing on business training, mentorship, and strategic initiatives. Chris helped spearhead the development of Nest’s ethical compliance program and has worked to guide the organization through years of exponential growth and impact. In addition, Chris is an Adjunct Professor at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at NYU (where he also earned an Executive MBA) and a lecturer and consultant around the country, teaching coursework on Social Impact & Sustainability in Business. In 2023, he released Certifiable: How Businesses Operationalize Responsible Sourcing through the publisher John Wiley & Sons, an exploration of the real-world implementation of supply chain transparency and corporate social responsibility that draws on his experiences at Nest. Outside work, Chris enjoys cooking, traveling to meet with Nest stakeholders around the world, and cherishes his role as a father of two.

Lindsey, Nest’s Chief Operating Officer, brings over a decade of nonprofit management and organizational capacity building experience to the Nest team, specializing in nonprofit governance, process improvement, financial accountability, and social impact reporting. She previously managed CSR engagement in Russia and contributed to Charity Navigator's leadership, enhancing evaluation methodologies for financial health and nonprofit effectiveness. Lindsey has consulted for Intentional Futures and GLG Social Impact, supporting NGOs and social impact leaders with evaluation frameworks and growth strategies. She holds an M.A. in International Development and a B.A. in Communications with certifications in Intercultural Relations and Program Strategy and Evaluation. Lindsey has served on the boards of TIP Global Health and the Mary J. Heerdt Charitable Trust.

Sara, Nest’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, is driving the development and execution of Nest’s pioneering Ethical Handcraft Standard and associated program, as well as leading research initiatives to bring critical visibiluty and transparency to informal supply chains. After spending nearly 4 years in Varanasi, India, she gained a deeper appreciation for the specific needs and challenges faced by artisans and handworkers, which informs her work in developing sustainable solutions for the industry. Prior, Sara was a Small Enterprise Development Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo, assisting micro-enterprises and artisans. Graduating from the State University of New York at Buffalo in Arts Management and Marketing, Sara blends her passion for art and business. Her career began with Righteous Babe Records, where she worked for 9 years, eventually managing the company’s performance and event venue. A dedicated photographer and traveler, Sara continues to explore the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact in her work and personal pursuits.

Tara, Chief Communications + Engagement Officer at Nest, oversees the promotion and advocacy of Nest's programs and partnerships while integrating the company's core values into its operations. Having spent two decades in the fashion and jewelry industries, she brings a wealth of experience to the role. Tara's expertise lies in leveraging storytelling, PR, marketing tactics, and digital channels to enhance brand recognition and engagement. Her previous position leading the Natural Diamond Council's Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative highlights her commitment to fostering inclusivity. Prior to that, Tara was the Head of Communications at Swarovski, where she played a pivotal role in driving global sustainability and philanthropic initiatives. Her work included establishing partnerships with organizations such as the CFDA and the United Nations, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex collaborations and create meaningful impact. Tara holds an M.S. in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a B.S. in Textile and Apparel Management from Cornell University.

Anthony, Nest's Chief Programs Officer, brings a unique blend of mission-driven nonprofit leadership and fashion industry expertise to the Nest team. Based in Brooklyn, Anthony began his career in NGO partnerships/development before pivoting to study fashion design at Parsons School of Design, where he received the inaugural Norman Norell Couture Design Award. He went on to launch his own bespoke label, earning recognition for his inclusive eveningwear designs. In 2020, Anthony led a COVID relief initiative supporting local garment workers, the work of which was featured in WWD and Vogue Italia. A dedicated advocate for equity in the fashion industry, he joined Custom Collaborative in 2021, where he continues to serve on their advisory board. He joined Nest in 2022 to help further its mission of elevating the craft economy and now leads strategic partnerships that support Nest’s global programs.

Amanda is the Chief Brand Partnerships Officer at Nest, where she leads initiatives that connect business strategy with responsible sourcing and social impact. With experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, she has worked closely with brands in the home and fashion industries to create creative collaborations that support both growth and community. Amanda is a trusted advisor on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and design.

Brynna is the VP of Finance + Operations at Nest. She has over 15 years of experience across the nonprofit and international business sectors and brings comprehensive expertise in directing critical operational functions, including finance, human resources, technology, quality assurance, and evaluation. She is particularly adept at strategic planning, nonprofit accounting, and risk management. Her foundational experience in the nonprofit sector began in Peru, where she facilitated business planning and health workshops for indigenous artisan communities and supported microloan delivery. Brynna holds a Master of Public Administration and a B.A. in Spanish and Sociology.