Melody Sugg, CFRE

Experience

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  City Year

  Jan 1996 - Jan 2003

  Team Leader/Service Director/Academy Director/Founding Co-Director
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  American Diabetes Association

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2005

  Senior Market Director

  Led outreach, education and fundraising efforts and managed an annual budget of $250,000. Recruited corporate sponsors and participants for America’s Walk for Diabetes, Tour de Cure cycling event and Diabetes Youth Camp. Engaged and supported local advisory board members, event chairs, and committee members. Participated in patient advocacy meetings at the state and federal level.

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  American Diabetes Association

  Aug 2005 - Aug 2008

  Executive Director

  Provided executive leadership for the Central Texas territory. Developed and implemented annual fundraising and program plans. Managed an annual budget of $750,000. Supervised a team of four staff members and two contractors. Participated in patient advocacy meetings at the federal level. Conducted patient education programs such as Diabetes Sunday.

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  Museum of Discovery

  Jan 2008 - Jul 2010

  Development Director

  Spearheaded creation and implementation of an annual fundraising program that included corporate sponsorship acquisition, individual giving, and grant writing to reach annual fundraising goal of $400,000. Supported capital campaign to renovate the museum and purchase new exhibits.

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  Big Brothers Big Sisters North Central Arkansas

  Jun 2010 - Jan 2013

  CEO

  Led mentorship program which served more than 250 children annually in Conway, Russellville, Batesville and Newport, AR. Drove consolidation efforts between the Central Arkansas and North Central Arkansas affiliates to increase organizational and program sustainability.

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  Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

  Aug 2013 - Jan 2023

  Educated caregivers, patients and donors on the drug development pipeline, potential genetic therapies, and research progress. Advocated for patient needs through March on the Hill and Teen Advocacy Day programs. Communicated with stakeholders in person, virtually and through written correspondence and presentations. Led regional fundraising strategy for annual fund, major gifts, grants and planned gifts. Oversaw grants program for major gift proposals. Selected for organizational leadership teams including the Donor and Volunteer Recognition Task Force and the Racial Justice at Work Committee. Show less Recruited, trained and led an advancement team which raised more than $1 million annually through special events, corporate sponsorships, and annual fund and major gifts. Developed and managed a comprehensive annual fundraising plan and budget. Recruited and engaged leadership volunteers including event honorees and board members. Educated patient community and stakeholders about cystic fibrosis, the drug development pipeline and potential genetic therapies. Identified, cultivated, solicited and stewarded donors. Coordinated special fundraising events including Walk, Gala, and Golf events. Show less

  • Director of Individual Giving and Foundation Relations

    Jan 2018 - Jan 2023

  • Executive Director

    Aug 2013 - Jan 2018
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  Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global)

  Aug 2014 - Dec 2015

  President
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  National Eczema Association

  Jan 2023 - now

  Vice President, Philanthropy

  Identify, create and deepen transformative relationships with patients, caregivers, donors and industry partners. Develop marketing campaigns and messages for virtual events and annual appeals. Educate patients, caregivers and donors about updates in research and organizational progress. Advocate for patient needs at the federal and state level through Virtual Hill Day and state legislative meetings. Develop and deliver educational webinars and in person presentations to the patient/caregiver community. Show less