Melody Sugg, Cfre Email & Phone Number

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.

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.

Little Rock, Arkansas Area

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mpp, Non Profit Management

Ba, Speech Communication

Activities and Societies: Donaghey Scholar's Program