Donyel Johnson

Donyel Johnson, MPA, currently serves as Vice President of Advancement at Creative Discovery Museum since January 2024. Donyel founded and serves as Principal Consultant at ASCENDANT ADVANCEMENT LLC, providing strategic fundraising solutions for nonprofit organizations since January 2022. Previous roles include Director of Development at Rocketship Public Schools, where Donyel led Nashville's development strategy, and Chief Development Officer at Boys & Girls Club, overseeing all development activities. Donyel also held positions at Public Education Foundation as Vice President of Development, Associate Director of Advancement at Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, and various roles at Tennessee Aquarium, including Membership Coordinator and Membership Engagement Analyst. Donyel holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (Nonprofit Management) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.