Michele Catalano

Michele Catalano, CFRE, has a strong background in fundraising and development. They are currently serving as the Chief Development Officer at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads since March 2023. Prior to this, Michele worked as a Major Gifts Officer at Eastern Virginia Medical School from January 2014 to March 2023. In this role, they were responsible for managing a portfolio of 75+ prospects and raising $1,000,000 annually for strategic campus initiatives. Michele also has experience working as a Major Gifts Officer, Special Projects & College of Sciences at Old Dominion University from February 2011 to January 2014. During their time at Old Dominion University, they successfully led a $4,500,000 campaign for the Arts in the Village project and cultivated relationships with alumni and community partners to solicit major gifts for the College of Sciences. Prior to that, Michele worked as a Development Specialist at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Foundation from September 2008 to February 2011. They oversaw the Foundation's activities and developed the ACCESS for the ARTS program. Michele also planned and implemented VIP receptions and events for the Foundation's stakeholders. Additionally, Michele worked as a Development Associate at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra from 2006 to 2008.

Michele Catalano, CFRE, holds a Master's of Arts degree in Humanities, Art History from Old Dominion University (2005-2008) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation from Virginia Wesleyan University (2003-2005). Michele also attended The University of Akron from 2000 to 2002. Michele Catalano has obtained additional certifications, including the CFRE Certification from CFRE International in December 2021 and the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation from CFRE International in 2021.