Park University Designates Ford as the New Associate Vice President for Progress and Development
Melissa Ford Appointed as Park University's Associate Vice President for Advancement
Melissa Ford, a seasoned fundraiser and development expert, has been appointed as the Associate Vice President for Advancement at Park University, effective from August 16, 2023.
Ford's extensive career in fundraising and development spans over two decades. She began her journey as a Research Analyst in Development Research at City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in Los Angeles.
In Kansas City, Ford served as the director of development for United WE and Musical Theater Heritage. She also held key positions at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, where she was the director of philanthropic giving for the School of Science and Engineering and the president of the Kansas City Ballet Guild's Board of Directors in 2022-23. Ford also served as the director of major gifts for the Kansas City Ballet.
In her new role at Park University, Ford will be responsible for ensuring the successful execution of various fundraising campaigns, including capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and special events. Her role is to support the University's mission and goals through her fundraising strategies.
Ford's responsibilities include planning, organizing, and implementing these campaigns. She will be working on a variety of fundraising initiatives, which will help the University achieve its objectives.
Ford's past work experience also includes serving as a campaign manager and fundraiser for the Missouri House of Representatives District 56 from 2013-15. She has also served as the executive director and chief executive officer for the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
In addition, Ford is a member of the Kansas City Ballet Guild's Board of Directors. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance performance from Oklahoma City University.
Ford will be working at Park University in her new role as AVP for advancement, and her appointment is expected to strengthen the University's fundraising efforts and contribute to its growth and development.
[1] City of Hope: https://www.cityofhope.org/
- Melissa Ford's career journey, honing her skills in both education-and-self-development and career-development via various roles in fundraising and development, has culminated in her new position as Park University's Associate Vice President for Advancement.
- In this role, Ford will apply her vast learning from her two-decade career to lead various fundraising campaigns at Park University, aligning her responsibilities with the institution's mission and goals for growth and development.
