Melissa Worrell, MBA, CFRE

As Director of WALKS and Community Fundraising, Melissa leads the Hydrocephalus Association’s national peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, including the flagship WALK to End Hydrocephalus. Each year, this volunteer-driven program mobilizes communities through more than 40 events nationwide, raising critical funds and awareness. Melissa focuses on cultivating and supporting volunteer leaders, empowering participants, and creating meaningful experiences that strengthen HA’s reach and revenue.

With more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, Melissa has worked with organizations of all sizes in marketing, workplace giving, corporate and individual philanthropy, and events—specializing in peer-to-peer fundraising. Prior to joining HA, she served as National Walk Manager at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, where she designed, launched, and scaled the Walk to End Colon Cancer series across the country. In that role, she built strong partnerships with corporate sponsors, engaged individual donors, and collaborated with volunteer leaders to deliver successful events year after year.

Melissa earned her B.S. in Multinational Business Marketing and her MBA from Florida State University. She is also a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). She lives in Virginia Beach with her two daughters.