Heifer International, a global development organization that works with local communities to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way, has hired Michelle Cangelosi as its next Vice President of Transformational Philanthropy.  

For the past 17 years, Michelle Cangelosi’s career has focused on working to improve livelihoods and communities around the world. Cangelosi most recently served as Senior Director for Partnerships at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, where she forged financial and programmatic partnerships to support a premier international program, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs. Cangelosi previously held executive leadership roles at Rotary International, the Peace Corps, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, and WaterSHED Asia. She has a BS in Zoology and MS in Environmental Engineering Sciences, both from the University of Florida.

“My desire to help people and to make sure they have the tools and support they need to bring about change in their families and communities has shaped my personal giving and career. I have spent the majority of my professional life starting or revitalizing programs to mobilize resources in support of people around the world and am excited to be joining Heifer International to advance the important global mission of this renowned organization.”

-Michelle Cangelosi

Heifer International first retained KEES, a national executive search firm for nonprofits, as its executive search partner in June 2018. KEES has partnered with Heifer International on eight searches over the last three years, helping to build and strengthen its philanthropy team. In addition to placing Cangelosi as Vice President of Transformational Philanthropy, KEES has placed six Directors of Philanthropy and a Senior Director, Global Foundation Partnerships.

“At Heifer International, we know the transformative impact philanthropy can have as a catalyst for long-lasting change. With global hunger on the rise fueled by the global pandemic, smallholder farmers need our support, now more than ever. We’re thrilled to welcome Michelle to the team and look forward to working with her on our shared mission to end global hunger and poverty.”

-Hilary Haddigan, Chief of Mission Effectiveness, Heifer International

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that buildsdiverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

For 76 years, Heifer International has worked with more than 36 million people around the world to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way. Working with rural communities in 21 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including the United States, Heifer International supports farmers and local food producers to strengthen local economies and build secure livelihoods that provide a living income. For information, visit https://www.heifer.org.