Michelle Powers Keegan

Michelle Powers Keegan joined The ALS Association in December 2012 as chief development officer, where she oversees all fundraising activities, which include The ALS Association national signature event, the Walk to Defeat ALS®, major gifts and planned giving, direct marketing, and foundation and government grants.

Michelle came to The ALS Association after seven years as director of development at the historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.  While there, she led all fundraising activities and raised more than $80 million, including the successful launch and completion of the $50 million Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign, the largest and most comprehensive renovation effort in the Theatre’s long history.  She also managed and grew one of the most successful corporate engagement programs for an arts institution, with more than 80 annual donors, as well as launching the theatre’s direct response and membership programs and effectively doubling annual giving during her tenure.

Prior to her work at Ford’s Theatre, Michelle was director of major gifts at the national headquarters of Volunteers of America where she managed a successful partnership with the Major League Baseball Players Association.  She also launched the individual giving program at the International Center for Research on Women.

Michelle came to Washington, D.C., in 2001 from New York, where she ran special events and alumni relations for the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University and was the head of marketing and events for the famous Village Gate jazz club.  She also consulted on marketing, fundraising and special events for several arts organizations in New York; and worked as a special assistant to wedding and event planner, Marcy Blum Associates.

Originally from Portland, Maine, Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Southern Maine, and a degree in Acting from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.  She is also an active member of the Washington, D.C., Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, having served on their board for 6 years and is currently co-chairing their advanced executives committee.