Melissa DeLaet, M.S.

Chief Executive Officer

Melissa DeLaet has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation since 2016. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Hastings College in 2005 and a Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2008. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. With over 20 years of experience in human services, fundraising, sales, and marketing, Melissa has a deep background in nonprofit work.

Under Melissa’s leadership at the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, she has executed a successful rebranding initiative, increased the foundation's assets from $17 million to over $31 million, and helped develop a Youth Philanthropy program. She has also implemented and expanded the Foundation’s Nonprofit Excellence Institute and led the Foundation to secure its own location.

Melissa is actively involved in the Grand Island community, having volunteered with various boards, organizations, and committees, including Leadership Unlimited, Rotary, Central Nebraska Child Advocacy Center, Make-A-Wish, AOK Ladies, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and United Way. She currently serves on the CEONet board of directors. From 2012 to 2015, Melissa was a member of the Governor-appointed Commission on Housing and Homelessness and was recognized as the Young Woman of Achievement by the YWCA in 2014. She was also named one of Grand Island Chamber's Top 35 Under 35 in 2010 and is a graduate of Leadership Tomorrow’s Class 24.

Melissa and her husband, Nathan, own MainStay Suites, where Nathan serves as the General Manager. They are the proud parents of three children: Keith, Kyle, and Kollin. In her free time, Melissa enjoys golfing, following Husker football, cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

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