Melissa Wetzel brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership to Wetzel & Associates. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2016, Melissa is one of only 455 CFREs in Florida and 8,000 globally. Additionally, she recently completed the Certificate in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) through the Lily School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Her expertise has led to the successful raising of over $200M for organizations across South Florida, from small nonprofits to large institutions.

Wetzel & Associates works with a variety of causes representing healthcare and well-being, wildlife and conservation, arts/culture, elder affairs, and social justice. Through Melissa’s leadership and pragmatic step-by-step approach to fundraising these organizations have enjoyed significant success in annual fund, capital campaign and planned giving, while building programs to further their mission and impact.

In addition to her client work, Melissa is deeply committed to the fundraising community. She has served in numerous leadership roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Miami Chapter, including President (2023-2024), as well as Chair of the following committees: Marketing, Membership, Mentorship, National Philanthropy Day, and Scholarship over her 7+ year tenure.

Through her contributions, Melissa continues to elevate the nonprofit sector with professionalism, expertise, and a passion for helping organizations achieve their collective vision of strengthening communities, while boldly professing to make the world a better place…together.