Melissa DeLaet has been chosen by the Grand Island Community Foundation Board of Trustees to lead the organization as its next Chief Executive Officer.  DeLaet’s skills, experience, and achievements in the nonprofit sector are well established.  She served more than five years as the Executive Director of Hope Harbor, a transitional shelter in Grand Island, Nebraska, where she was responsible for all aspects of non-profit management including: finances, human resources, fundraising, event planning, and programming.

GICF Board Chair Kris Nolan Brown and search committee members noted they were pleased that the finalist was a local candidate with both nonprofit and for profit leadership experience as well as a deep appreciation for the generosity of local citizens and their impact on our community. Brown said the board is excited to work with DeLaet in helping current and new donors fulfill their desire to make the Grand Island area a better place to live.

DeLaet currently works as the Director of Sales and Marketing for two local hotels. She is an active community volunteer and leader and is currently a member of the Leadership Tomorrow board of directors, an AOK Lady, and a past board member of the Child Advocacy Center. DeLaet was recognized as the YWCA Young Woman of Achievement in 2014 and was selected as one of Grand Island’s Top 35 Under 35 in 2010.  She is also involved in Grand Island Young Professionals and has been a member of Grand Island Noon Rotary Club since 2011.