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WiM Corporate Professional
Professional Bio
With over two decades of experience driving development strategy and building lasting relationships, Michelle Blackford is a seasoned professional passionate about developing strong cultures of giving and advancing organizational missions. Most recently serving as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at Hiram College, Michelle led the institution’s comprehensive advancement efforts - including fundraising, alumni engagement, and strategic partnerships across the corporate, foundation, and government sectors.
Before her tenure at Hiram College, Michelle brought her expertise to the Cleveland Foundation as a Philanthropic Strategy Advisor. In that role, she empowered individuals, corporations, and nonprofits to achieve meaningful philanthropic impact through strategic giving.
A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a 21/64 certified Family Philanthropy trainer, Michelle combines her technical knowledge with a deep understanding of relationship-based fundraising. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eastern University and a graduate certificate in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Michelle’s work reflects a strong commitment to values-driven leadership, collaboration, and empowering the next generation of changemakers.
Before her tenure at Hiram College, Michelle brought her expertise to the Cleveland Foundation as a Philanthropic Strategy Advisor. In that role, she empowered individuals, corporations, and nonprofits to achieve meaningful philanthropic impact through strategic giving.
A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a 21/64 certified Family Philanthropy trainer, Michelle combines her technical knowledge with a deep understanding of relationship-based fundraising. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eastern University and a graduate certificate in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Michelle’s work reflects a strong commitment to values-driven leadership, collaboration, and empowering the next generation of changemakers.
Company
Women in Manufacturing
WiM Corporate Professional