Michele Pignatello

Michele Pignatello is chief development officer and vice president, development and communications at Kessler Foundation. She is responsible for raising philanthropic funds to advance the Foundation’s rehabilitation research and disability employment initiatives by building meaningful connections and fostering strategic relationships. Michele also oversees the Foundation’s communications and participant recruitment initiatives, ensuring clear, consistent messaging and effective outreach to engage stakeholders and attract research participants. With more than two decades of experience driving philanthropic success for charitable institutions, Michele is committed to creating impactful and sustainable initiatives.

Prior to joining Kessler Foundation, Michele held senior positions at Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals in Manhattan and at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. Michele’s areas of expertise include donor and board relations, major gifts, special events, annual giving, and development operations management. Michele’s prior experience includes positions in fundraising, organizational development, systems design, training, and communications.