Michelle Heritage

About Michelle Heritage

With more than 25 years of executive leadership, I am driven by a deep commitment to building organizations that create measurable impact through bold strategy, trusted partnerships, and disciplined execution. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of leading mission-driven teams through growth, transformation, and innovation, always with a focus on tangible outcomes that improve lives.As Executive Director of the American Brain Foundation (ABF), I lead an organization accelerating the discovery of cures for brain diseases and disorders through innovative research funding. In 2025 alone, ABF awarded $5 million to study neuroinflammation and $2.5 million to advance research in Lewy body dementia, in addition to funding 13 new grants for early-career researchers through our Next Generation Research Grants program. These investments represent ABF’s growing impact in catalyzing discoveries that connect across the full spectrum of brain disease and brain health.ABF’s Cure One, Cure Many awards and targeted initiatives unite the best minds across neurology and neuroscience to find shared pathways toward prevention, treatment, and ultimately, cures.Previously, as CEO of the Community Shelter Board in Columbus, I guided the organization through a period of remarkable growth, expanding the annual budget from $12 million to $58.6 million and leading a campaign that raised over $42 million for a groundbreaking housing system. Earlier leadership roles at St. Vincent Family Center and The Prevention Council further strengthened my ability to lead organizations through financial turnarounds, strategic transitions, and measurable performance improvement.Across my career, I have overseen more than $500 million in grants and program investments supporting science, health, and human services—advancing discovery, equity in care, and systemic innovation.My areas of expertise include strategic planning, large-scale fundraising, program innovation, governance development, and building data-driven cultures that align vision with results. I believe lasting impact is achieved when leadership is rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a clear sense of purpose.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   American Brain Foundation

   Jan 2024 — Present

   Michelle Heritage, Executive Director of the American Brain Foundation (ABF), brings over 25 years of leadership in the nonprot sector. Her commitment to ABF\'s mission is deeply personal, as her family has been has profoundly aected by brain disease which inuenced her dedication to advancing brain disease research.In 2024, under her guidance, ABF funded 30 clinical research projects through the Next Generation Research Grant program, including 13 new studies on topics such as multiple sclerosis progression and early-onset dementia. These eorts are crucial steps toward discovering cures for brain diseases.In 2025, ABF will fund over $12 million in brain disease research.

Education

• University of Dayton

  Master of Education - MEd, Clinical Counseling

• The Ohio State University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Criminology and Social Justice

Skills

• Government Advocacy
• Social Services
• Diversity Champion
• Event Planning
• Leadership Development
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Organizational Development
• Resource Development
• Public Speaking
• Team Building
• Program Development
• Mental Health
• Community Relations
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Marketing
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Public Relations
• Social Media
• Non-Profits
• Strategic Planning
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Program Management
• Team Leadership
• Event Management
• Brand Management
• Fundraising
• Public Policy
• Volunteer Management