Michelle is the CEO of the Inland Empire Community Foundation in Southern California where she focuses on impact, equity, and growth. For over 30 years Michelle held leadership positions in community economic development nonprofits focused on participatory development, and has specialized in building or rebuilding organizations in both urban and rural communities. Prior to joining IECF, Michelle was the 10-year CEO of Rural Action, a community development corporation in Appalachian Ohio working on local sustainable development and mission-based social enterprises including projects in food systems, forestry, water quality, and environmental education. As the IECF CEO Michelle is responsible for strategic direction, board engagement, and leading on building a culture of philanthropy in the IE, an effort which sets IECF’s 10 year direction.