Director of Annual Giving at the Schepens Eye Research Institute

Melanie Saunders studied Advertising and Public Relations in college intending to pursue a professional career in commercial advertising.  Hired by the American Red Cross as an intern for the summer prior to senior year of college, her time was equally split between public relations and the fundraising departments.  Realizing that she could have a greater impact at a non-profit humanitarian organization she began a career in the non-profit sector.  

Moving from intern to director of volunteers and annual giving at the Red Cross, Saunders worked in all aspects of events, fundraising, disaster preparedness, emergency response, and education for six and a half years.  Saunders was recruited by Schepens Eye Research Institute as the director of annual giving in January 2001.  Approaching her six-year anniversary at the Institute, Saunders is inspired by the researchers, clinicians, administration and donors collectively working to cure and prevent blindness.

E mail Melanie Saunders
saunders@vision.eri.harvard.edu

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