Michele Golombuski

Michele is the inaugural Chief Development Officer for FAST, where she will provide strategic leadership for all aspects of FAST’s philanthropic efforts as the organization enters a pivotal time with scientific advancements in Angelman syndrome research. With nearly three decades of experience in the non-profit sector, Michele has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and building meaningful relationships.

Michele will oversee and build a dynamic team of experts responsible for developing the organization's fundraising, donor relations, and strategic development initiatives. Under her leadership, the organization aims to achieve record-breaking fundraising and engagement success to raise critical funds for Angelman syndrome research.

Prior to joining FAST, Michele spent nearly 13 years at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research. During her tenure with MJFF she served in several capacities, most recently as Chief Development Officer overseeing a team of nearly 80 fundraising and operations specialists. Under her leadership, MJFF raised a record $144 million in philanthropic contributions revenue in 2023.

Prior to joining MJFF, Michele spent over a decade at the National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction (currently MyFace), an organization raising money to transform the lives of children and adults with facial differences treated at The Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Michele holds a BA in Religion from Lehigh University and a MS in Nonprofit Management from Milano School of Public Policy, The New School.

A Message from Michele:

I am so excited to join FAST as its first Chief Development Officer. I have spent my entire nonprofit career in the healthcare and medical research space raising money to better the lives of individuals and communities facing complex health challenges. Making an impact is what energizes me, so joining FAST at this moment is pivotal, scientific progress is happening but there is so much more to do.

How will you support FAST’s mission:

Successful fundraising comes from building authentic relationships with the community members you serve. It has been the core pillar of my own success as a leader and a fundraiser; I plan to bring that same sensibility to FAST. I will use my people first leadership skills to build and lead an all-star fundraising and operations team to raise vital funds to help FAST accomplish its mission and make a lasting impact on the entire Angelman syndrome community.

Fun Facts:

1. I live in New York City with my dog Lulu (a havapoo).

2. I was a competitive swimmer from age 5 through college.

3. I love to travel - Vancouver, British Columbia is my happy place although I travel most to Scottsdale, Arizona to visit my dad.