I’m Michelle Ellison, CFRE, MPA, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey in the world of financial development and nonprofit management with you. For over 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of nonprofits—from the arts to disaster relief to healthcare.

Throughout my career, I’ve written and secured government contracts and foundation grants, as well as six-figure solicitations from individuals and corporations. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with brand-new nonprofit start-ups and long-established organizations. Each experience has taught me something unique, and I love the challenges that come with this work.

I hold a BA in Arts Management with a focus on Art History from Chatham College for Women (now Chatham University) in Pittsburgh, PA. I also earned a certificate in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in NYC, followed by an MA in Public Administration from Kutztown University. During my time at Sotheby’s, I held a fellowship at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, and at Kutztown, I served as a Graduate Assistant at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Since 2017, I’ve been actively involved with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter (AFP-GLV). Former board positions include Lehigh Valley Girls Rock (LVGR).