Meggie Chopade

About Meggie Chopade

I am an engagement and advancement leader with more than 18 years of experience building relationships, programs, and teams across higher education and mission-driven organizations. My work has consistently focused on bringing people together around shared purpose and translating that connection into meaningful, measurable impact.Throughout my career, I’ve led and supported complex engagement efforts that sit at the intersection of strategy, relationships, and execution. At the University of Virginia, I worked within a large, decentralized advancement environment, partnering across schools and programs to strengthen donor relationships, expand alumni and volunteer engagement, and support institutional priorities. I’m comfortable navigating complexity, aligning stakeholders, and helping ideas move from concept to action.In more recent roles, I’ve continued to build and lead initiatives that rely on strong collaboration—working closely with volunteers, staff, and community partners; guiding boards and committees; and supporting fundraising and engagement efforts tied to events, campaigns, and long-term growth. I’m known for being steady, thoughtful, and relationship-driven, with a leadership style grounded in trust, clarity, and follow-through.I hold a Master of Science in Management, Strategy, and Leadership from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad School of Business. Across every role, I bring a strategic mindset, high emotional intelligence, and a deep respect for mission. I’m energized by work that connects people to causes they care about and helps organizations build the structures, relationships, and momentum needed to sustain impact over time.SPECIALTIES Advancement & Engagement Strategy Donor, Alumni & Volunteer Relationships Board & Committee Partnership Fundraising Events & Campaign Support Program & Portfolio Management Cross-Functional & Institutional Collaboration Strategic Planning & Execution Team Leadership & Staff Development Stakeholder Communication & Storytelling Global & Community-Based Engagement

Experience

1. Director, Alumni Programs

   Operation Smile

   Aug 2024 — Present · VA, US

   As Director of Alumni Programs at Operation Smile, I lead efforts to build and nurture a global network of student alumni who have contributed to the organization\'s mission. My role focuses on creating meaningful engagement opportunities through mentorship, regional boards, and alumni-driven events, empowering our alumni to continue making a positive impact in the world. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to connect young professionals, organize global initiatives, and align alumni engagement with Operation Smile\'s goals. With a focus on fostering connections and supporting our alumni community, I\'m passionate about helping our alumni stay involved and inspired long after their initial involvement.

Education

• Bridgewater College

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), International Studies/Political Science with extra courses in intercultural communication

  2004 — 2008

• Bridgewater College

  Bachelor's degree, International/Global Studies

• Michigan State University - Eli Broad College of Business

  Masters of Science, Management, Strategy, and Leadership

  2019

Skills

• Sales
• Event Planning
• Volunteer Management
• Leadership
• Event Management
• Web Content Mangement
• Writing/Editing
• Community Outreach/Relations
• Program Management
• Public Speaking
• Public Relations
• Fundraising
• Strategic Communications
• Office Management
• Nonprofits
• Marketing Management
• Financial Reporting
• Research
• Editing
• Community Outreach
• Corporate Relations
• Social Media
• Management