Melody Torno

Director of Development Houston Social Campaigns & Giving Societies @American Heart Association

Houston, TX, US

The Director of Development plays a strategic leadership role within the Houston market, advancing the mission of the American Heart Association through high-impact campaigns including Go Red for Women and the Houston Heart Ball. This position is also responsible for serving as a Giving Societies Champion, stewarding high-level individual donors contributing or more annually through year-round engagement and cultivation.Key Responsibilities include: Lead and execute revenue-generating strategies for the Go Red for Women and Heart Ball campaigns, working collaboratively with internal teams and volunteer leadership. Recruit, cultivate, and manage high-level corporate volunteers, philanthropists, and community influencers to drive campaign success. Secure corporate sponsorships and individual gifts through proactive outreach, strategic sales calls, and relationship building. Manage a portfolio of donors and sponsors, fostering long-term engagement through personalized stewardship and recognition efforts. Serve as a champion for the AHA’s Giving Societies, providing year-round stewardship for high-level donors, including personalized touchpoints, engagement opportunities, and recognition aligned with their giving levels.Oversee event planning and execution, including logistics, volunteer coordination, implementation, and post-event evaluation to ensure continuous improvement. Utilize AHA tools and databases to track progress, report results, and inform data-driven strategies.

Texas Education Agency

Texas Educator Certificate

Sam Houston State University

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The Edge Studio

Voice Over

TTAO-Texas Theatre Adjudicators & Officials

Theatre Adjudication

Theatre Under The Stars

Advanced Acting Study/Advanced Vocal Study

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art- London, England

Theatre Movement

Lincoln Center- NY, New York

Puppetry & Movement

Colorado State University-Global Campus

Master's Degree

University of Houston

Master of Arts (MA)

Acting Studio Chicago, IL

Theatre

Alley Theatre

Theatre Movement Study

Lamar University

Master of Education in Administration - MEd