Melanie Akins

Melanie Akins is an experienced professional with a strong background in corporate relations and fundraising. Melanie is currently serving as the Chief Development Officer at Catalight, where they lead the philanthropic development program and ensures the implementation of strategies to attract donors and funding. Prior to this role, they worked at Autism Speaks as the Vice President of Corporate Initiatives, where they exceeded revenue targets and secured major gifts for the organization. Melanie also held various leadership positions at the American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, including Vice President of National Corporate Relations, Vice President of National Accounts, and Director of Account Strategy and Planning. Throughout their career, they have demonstrated their ability to build strong relationships, secure funding, and drive organizational growth.

Melanie Akins holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with a focus on Marketing and Organizational Behavior and Business Policy from Southern Methodist University. Additionally, they have obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology from the same institution.