Elyse Fineman

Elyse Fineman is the current Director of Illinois & Executive Director of ISPB at Prevent Blindness. Elyse has dedicated their career to working in the nonprofit sector with a focus on fundraising and grant writing.

Elyse began their career in 1997 as the Health Education Department Manager at SeaMar Community Health Center. In 2000, they transitioned to Rotary International where they served as a Team Leader for the Humanitarian Grant Program. Two years later, Elyse took on the role of Grant Writer at Special Gifts Theatre, Inc. before moving to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association in 2004 where they wrote a daily newsletter on U.S. health policy.

In 2008, Elyse joined the Music Institute of Chicago as their Senior Development Officer. In this role, they were responsible for researching, writing, and preparing stewardship reports for government, corporate, and foundation grants totaling over $300,000 annually. Elyse also planned and executed intimate through large cultivation and fundraising events totaling over $1.3 million annually. During their time at the Music Institute of Chicago, Elyse also directed annual fundraising campaigns and created strategies for individual giving totaling $1 million annually.

Elyse’s passion for their work and dedication to their craft has resulted in a long and successful career in the nonprofit sector. Her experience and expertise will no doubt continue to be a valuable asset to Prevent Blindness as they work towards their mission of creating a world free of blindness and vision impairment.

Elyse Fineman completed their undergraduate degree at UC San Diego in Political Science and Government/International Relations. Elyse then went on to get their Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Washington - School of Medicine in International Public Health/International Health. Finally, they completed their Master of Health Administration (MHA) also at the University of Washington - School of Medicine in Public Health.

They work with Sarah Hecker - Director, Marketing, Karen Hartman - VP & CFO, and Ken West - Senior Director, Marketing Communications. Their manager is Jeff Todd, President & CEO.