Adam Harms

Foundations Director

As Director of Foundations, Adam works with SELC’s leadership to build on the organization’s successful fundraising program with current and prospective funders. He also serves as an expert guide and partner to SELC attorneys, working alongside them to foster relationships with foundation program offices.

Adam was drawn to SELC because of their place-based approach — partnering with local communities towards effective solutions with outsized impact. He is especially energized by SELC’s wins for the people of the South, from protecting drinking water and challenging unfair burdens of pollution to providing access to a clean-energy economy. 

Adam grew up in Atlanta on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, and spent summers hiking the twisting trails of Pisgah National Forest and enjoying sunsets on the Neuse River Basin. After spending more than 10 years working with foundations in New York City, he has enjoyed revisiting these special places with his family as they get to know their new home, Durham, N.C.

Previous experience

• B.A., New York University
• Master of Environmental Management, Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment
• With SELC since 2021