Hope Foundation competitors

Knudsen previously servesd as the executive vice president of Oncology Services and enterprise director for Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers recognized for its research and impact on cancer outcomes. She also holds leadership roles with some of the most important cancer entities in the nation. She is the president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes, where her platform has focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, and serves on the board of directors for the American Association of Cancer Research and the board of advisors for the National Cancer Institute. She is active in committees for the American Society for Clinical Oncology, in addition to serving on other academic and for-profit advisory boards. Knudsen holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the George Washington University; a Ph.D. in biological sciences from the University of California San Diego; and an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business.

I am a resourceful nonprofit executive, experienced in developing and implementing fund development systems for institutional, corporate and individual donors, building and executing strategic plans, financial management and creating long-term organizational sustainability. I have over 15 years’ experience as an executive director managing two nongovernmental organizations in the arts and education sectors, including five years leading the fundraising foundation for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. I love helping to build a sustainable operational model that allows nonprofit organizations to thrive today and into the future.Over the past five years, I managed a staff and volunteer team in raising and providing over $11M in philanthropic support to the Grand Rapids Public Schools, including cultivating mid-level and major donors, writing grants, developing sustainable annual fundraising strategies and securing major and capital gifts. I negotiated the first Memorandum of Understanding between the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation and the Grand Rapids Public Schools, outlining the Foundation’s roles and responsibilities as the school system’s exclusive fundraising partner. I worked with a 25 person board of directors and multiple volunteer committees, including donor development, donor cultivation, special event and finance committees, to meet organization goals and strategic priorities. Michele’s Awards & Recognitions:50 Most Influential Women, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 2018Athena Award Finalist, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, 2016Michele’s areas of expertise include:Nonprofit ManagementFund DevelopmentStrategic PlanningFinancial Management and Nonprofit Budgeting Donor DevelopmentGrant WritingEvent PlanningStaff DevelopmentVolunteer ManagementProgram Management Annual GivingWritingPublic SpeakingMedia RelationsProject ManagementCommunity Organizing