Melissa Traynham
Summary
Accomplished leader with extensive experience in fund development and strategic planning, consistently achieving financial goals through innovative strategies. Proven expertise in enhancing donor relations and operational efficiency, contributing to organizational success. Skilled in relationship building and operations management, driving impactful results across various initiatives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Consultant
Amazon Medical Project
, United States And Peru
01.2022 - Current
- Cultivated and nurtured relationships with donors year-round to raise funds, supporting the Yanamono Clinic in the Peruvian Amazon.
- Directed the Board of Directors, and provided regular updates on significant developments.
- Managed financial operations, including daily accounting, annual reporting, and grant compliance.
- Oversaw communications to ensure alignment of vision, brand, and mission across various platforms.
Executive Director
Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
Buena Vista, United States
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Administered operations management in collaboration with the Board of Directors to achieve long-term organizational goals
- Developed a strategic plan (1-3-5 year) that focused on economic vitality for Chamber members
- Represented 300+ members through public speaking engagements, media relations, website content, email marketing, and promotional materials
- Managed annual budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility through revenue and expenditure oversight
Executive Director
Comunidades Unidas Peru (CU Peru)
Denver, United States
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Led all aspects of CU Peru operations, including fund development, external communications, and program management
- Increased volunteer and community health worker participation, establishing standard operating procedures for programming and operations
- Organized events to enhance donor engagement and expand community partnerships, boosting revenue and program growth
Manager of Donor Relations
American Red Cross
Denver, United States
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Surpassed fundraising goals of $370K by managing a portfolio of 245+ individual, corporate, and foundation donors
- Organized activities for major gifts, identified new donors, and renewed one-time donors
Campaign Director
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Denver, United States
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Planned and executed fundraising and donor cultivation events
- Directed revenue-generating activities for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Rocky Mountain Chapter
- Assisted volunteers with peer-to-peer fundraising, secured corporate sponsorships, and cultivated sustained donor loyalty
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MASkills
- Fund development
- Financial oversight
- Strategic planning
- Operations management
- Relationship building
- Program management
- Volunteer management
- Event coordination
- Marketing
- Grant writing
- Board reporting
- Process improvements
Additional Experience
- Director of Operations, My Skin Global, United States and Kenya
- Marketing and Sales Manager, Makani Catamaran Tours, Honolulu, HI
- Marketing Manager, Heritage Golf Group, San Diego, CA
- Assistant Director of Marketing and Customer Service, Health Fitness Corporation, Cambridge, MA
Affiliations
- Portland Women for Good, Giving Circle Member, 01/01/23, Present
- Comunidades Unidas Peru (CU Peru), Committee Member, 01/01/19, Present
- Buena Vista Rotary, Member, Secretary, 01/01/20, 12/31/22
- Chaffee County Visitors Bureau, Board Member and Secretary, 01/01/19, 12/31/22
- Friends of Chaffee County Fire, Board Member, 01/01/19, 12/31/22
- Chaffee Arts, Friends of the Board, 01/01/19, 12/31/22
- Highland United Neighbors Inc, Board President, 01/01/16, 12/31/19
Volunteer Experience
- Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, Board Trustee & Development Committee Chair, 01/01/23, Present
- Brunswick Downtown Association, Events Committee Member, 01/01/23, Present
- Teens to Trails, Events Volunteer, 01/01/23, Present
- Roundup River Ranch, Camp Volunteer, 01/01/16, 12/31/20
- Denver Kids, Mentor, 01/01/16, 12/31/19
- Water For People, Impact Tour Participant, Peru, 2014
- African Community Center, Volunteer, 01/01/13, 12/31/18
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Team in Training Volunteer, 01/01/12, 12/31/15
- Cross-Cultural Solutions, International Volunteer, Costa Rica, 2008
Professional Development
Leadership Portland, Portland, ME, Class of 2025
Institute for Leaders in Development (ILD), University of Denver, 2017
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Executive Consultant
Amazon Medical Project
01.2022 - Current
Executive Director
Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
01.2019 - 01.2022
Executive Director
Comunidades Unidas Peru (CU Peru)
01.2016 - 01.2018
Manager of Donor Relations
American Red Cross
01.2015 - 01.2016
Campaign Director
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
01.2010 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Bridgewater State University
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