Dave Nezzie

Dave Nezzie is a dedicated Program Officer at the Waverley Street Foundation, managing a portfolio focused on New Mexico.

A proud member of the Navajo Nation, he has extensive experience in land and agriculture policy, a strong background in government affairs, and a commitment to working with tribal nations. Before joining Waverley, Dave served as the Land & Agriculture Policy Officer at the Thornburg Foundation, where he developed a five-year strategy to promote food and agriculture resiliency in New Mexico and coordinated with stakeholders to advance policy agendas. Previously, he was a field representative for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies, community leaders, and tribal governments. He advocated for constituents needing assistance with federal agencies and coordinated input on legislative bills, including the 2018 Farm Bill.

Dave is currently pursuing an LL.M. in Agriculture & Food Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law. He holds a J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law and completed his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University with degrees in Anthropology and American Indian Studies. In his free time, you can find Dave chasing hot air balloons at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta or backyard farming with his family.