Colleen Messick Email & Phone Number

Richmond, Va

Serve as agency head, encouraging participation in and appreciation of all disciplines of arts throughout the Commonwealth through state and federal grants, special initiatives, and additional resources. The Commission for the Arts utilizes investments to empower communities, arts organizations, and arts-centric programs to drive cultural and economic vitality, allocating more than $5.1 million for FY25.

Richmond, Va

Oversee and mentor the First Lady’s team to ensure efficient and effective day-to-day operations. Drive the initiatives and branding of the First Lady. Coordinate with the Office of the Governor through weekly Cabinet, Chief of Staff, scheduling, and communication meetings to ensure streamlined activities and complementary agendas. Lead strategic planning processes across secretariats, Executive Mansion, and external nonprofit partners. Manage official communications and correspondence. Serve as entry point to the First Lady and routinely travel with her.o Launched It Only Takes One, a strategic communications initiative to educate Virginians on the dangers of fentanyl as well as the importance of being trained to administer Naloxone. Championed a nonpartisan, nationwide partnership with 27 other First Spouses/First Partners anchored on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day in 2024.o Facilitated the development of a First Lady website and monthly e-newsletter dedicated to government and nonprofit resources available at no cost to Virginians under two pillars: Wellbeing (Mental Health and Substance Resources, Human Trafficking Resources, Volunteering) and Workforce (Career and Training Resources, Service Member Resources, Prisoner Re-entry Resources).o Orchestrating volunteer collaborations through the First Lady’s Women+girl initiative. Curated regional community partnerships in Tidewater, Northern Virginia, Roanoke, and Central Virginia. Initiated mentoring program for at-risk 6th grade girls in Petersburg.o Spearheading six annual Spirit of Virginia Award presentations and four annual gubernatorial salary donations on behalf of the Governor and First Lady to celebrate nonprofits who are transforming Virginia.

Richmond, Va

Managing and leading a fundraising organization that supports the ongoing restoration, preservation, and interpretation of the historic Virginia State Capitol, Capitol Square, and Executive Mansion in coordination with a broad range of constituencies. Serving as Chief Administrative Officer for the Capitol Square Preservation Council, a legislative branch agency. Successfully completed capital campaign to install the Virginia Women’s Monument ($3,800,000) and the Virginia Indian Tribute ($700,000). Statewide fundraising efforts strengthened Foundation’s financial standing by retiring six figure debt and securing forgiveness of start-up loan.o Raising $1,000,000 to build the Emancipation Proclamation and Freedom Monument.o Working with Virginia’s First Ladies to advance their priorities: Mrs. Northam-restore and interpret Historic Kitchen; Mrs. McAuliffe-conserve Battleship USS Virginia Silver Service.o Creating an engaging on-ground and online educational approach to the Capitol with both Legislative and Executive Branches.

Mid-Atlantic Affiliate - Md, Dc, Va, Nc, Sc

Maintained $5,000,000 active portfolio of 100-150 high net worth individuals nationwide capable of supporting $100,000+ to advance AHA research priorities, advocacy, and community health initiatives. o Used Blackbaud CRM as a tracking system to enhance donor communication and improve solicitation strategies under moves management philosophy.o Secured two $100,000 gifts, the first for the Mid-Atlantic Affiliate.o Maintained solicitation, revenue, and activity reports for bimonthly 1:1 meetings and quarterly team gap meetings.

Richmond, Va

Member of Senior Management Team responsible for strategic planning, capital needs, annual fundraising, marketing, volunteer management, and $1,000,000 department budget.o Designed and measured annual and long-range fundraising plans tied to strategic needs.o Grew philanthropic contributions to $1,200,000 in two years by implementing a culture of giving and gratitude, a major gift program, new funding sources through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), foundations, corporations, and individuals.o Reduced fundraising cost 50% by restructuring department, bidding out projects, eliminating two events. FY13 contributed income exceeded FY12 by 23%; FY14 exceeded FY13 by 32%.

Richmond, Va

Worked hand-in-hand with chief development officers to increase support and mission awareness to secure new individual, foundation, and corporate donors that complemented current resources and were in line with organization’s mission and vision. Success with two organizations led Boards’ decision to move contractual position to full-time staff position. Clients included Maymont Foundation, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Firehouse Theatre Project, and James River Association.o Secured $2.5M for program and event corporate sponsorship.o Wrote case statement and managed capital campaign, raising $1M in 11 months for James River Ecology School.o Generated over $500,000 in capacity building support through grants.o Secured second Impact Grant awarded by the Robins Foundation, providing operational support and an internal audit to take organization from good to great.

Richmond, Va

First Director of Development after branch museum, Valentine Riverside, closed. Rebuilt museum constituency that was aggrieved over failed expansion.o Secured donations to retire $1.1M debt owed to City of Richmond.o Celebrated 100th Anniversary with Governor and Mrs. Jim Gilmore.o Initiated Valentine Young Associates.

Washington, Dc

As a member of the Economic Studies development team, coordinated prospects and fundraising activities with the institution’s central development office.o Drafted concept notes, solicitation letters, and proposals in coordination with scholars and central development.o Drafted grant reports, tracked deliverables, and managed grant modifications or special reporting needs.o Provided support to the Economic Studies Director and Administrative Director.

M.A., Arts Administration

Activities and Societies: Internships: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Pierpont Morgan LibraryMaster.

B.A., International Economics

Activities and Societies: French Drill Instructor for intensified French courses; BNP summer internship in Montpellier, France