Shelley Friel

Shelley Friel has a diverse work experience spanning over 16 years. Shelley is currently working at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation as the Director of Advancement Communications for PJ Library. Prior to this role, they served as the Director of Annual Giving for PJ Library.

Before joining the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Friel worked at the University at Albany, SUNY, as the Director of Development for Rockefeller College. Shelley held this position for three and a half years.

At the Emma Willard School, Friel worked as the Director of Alumnae and Parent Philanthropy for six months, followed by serving as the Director of Annual Giving for four and a half years.

Friel also has experience working at Union College as the Director of Annual Giving / Senior Associate Director, Annual Giving. In this role, they led a team of six and implemented comprehensive marketing and solicitation campaigns.

Prior to Union College, Friel worked at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where they served as the Associate Advancement Officer for the Parent Program and Assistant Advancement Officer. Shelley was responsible for planning and organizing the parent giving program and managing a parent volunteer committee. Additionally, they worked as an Assistant Field Hockey Coach during this time.

Friel began their career at the University at Albany as an Academic Advisor Graduate Assistant in the Department of Athletics. In this role, they monitored the academic progress of student-athletes and advised the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Overall, Friel has demonstrated expertise in advancement communications, annual giving, development, and philanthropy throughout their career.

Shelley Friel received a certificate in Women in Leadership: Expanding Influence and Leading Change from Columbia Business School in 2016. Prior to that, they earned a Master of Arts degree in Communication from the University at Albany, SUNY from 2006 to 2008. Shelley completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Journalism from the same university from 2002 to 2006.