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LEADERSHIP

Melissa Wetzel, CFRE
Founder & President
 

With nearly 20 years experience in the South Florida community, and over $24 Million raised, Melissa's track record of working with organizations small and large are impressive.  Melissa is only one of 400 in the state of Florida to carry a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) distinction, and just one of 7,500 around the world.  Through Melissa's leadership, Wetzel & Associates brings a level of professionalism & expertise to any nonprofit organization.

Achievements for Wetzel & Associates:

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  • Closed a mid six-figure gift toward a client's capital campaign.

  • Established a private operating foundation complete with IRS and state-required governing documents and procedures.

  • Created a robust Development Plan and supported client through implementation.

  • Collaborated with a core committee to create a planned giving strategy complete with legacy guide and marketing approach.

  • Involved in the hiring process of development staff.

  • Rewrote Bylaws and established the client's charity designation with the State of Florida.

  • Developed new fundraising revenue streams including events, direct mail campaigns, memberships, and women's giving circle.

  • Authored print newsletters, Annual Reports, e-blasts, website and social media content. 

  • Provided pre-capital campaign analysis with internal recommendations. 

  • Instituted donor communications plan for ongoing electronic and print outreach.

Appointments:

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  • CFRE re-certification--2022

  • AFP Miami Board of Directors--2017 to current

    • 2023 President

    • 2021-22 President-Elect.  Mentorship Chair & Joyce Galya Scholarship Committee Chair​

    • ​2020 Miami-Dade & Broward CFRE Course Co-Chair

    • 2019 Membership Chair

    • 2018 Mentorship Co-Chair

  • CFRE re-certification--2019

  • Founding Ann Storck Center's Hearts of Gold Society Member--2018-2019

  • Boys & Girls Club "100 Outstanding Women of Broward County" Honoree--2017

  • Founding Wild Bunch Young Professionals Member--2017 to current

  • CFRE certification--2016

  • AFP Miami Speaker: "A Conversation About Major Gifts"--2016.  "Let's Talk Mentorship"--2020

  • Leadership Broward Class XXVII Alumnus--2008

    • Summit to Leadership Conference Committee 2016

  • Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) member--2003 to current

"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."

-Warren Bennis

Wetzel & Associates is licensed and bonded through the State of Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.  This does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

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