Easterseals Redwood, a nonprofit working to empower children and adults with disabilities, military veterans, and people facing disadvantages to live full and meaningful lives, is pleased to announce Melanie Stutenroth as the nonprofit’s Director of Advancement.

Stutenroth is a Lexington native who has called Cincinnati home for more than 20 years. She will be responsible for planning, managing, and executing strategies that increase, diversify, and sustain philanthropic support for Easterseals Redwood from individuals and corporations. This role leads major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.

“The Director of Advancement is integral to ensuring success for Easterseals Redwood and the people we support,” said Rachel Fausz, Vice President of Advancement & Marketing. “We are a mission-centered agency devoted to helping people live full and meaningful lives. Melanie will lead the strategies and systems that fuel our growth into the future. We’re thrilled to have her join us and put her passion for nonprofits to good use helping to create sustainable opportunities for Easterseals Redwood.”

Following sales and marketing roles in the business sector, Stutenroth transitioned her expertise to non-profits. She spent eight years at the Cincinnati Art Museum as the Associate Director of Corporate Engagement and the Associate Director of Philanthropy, strengthening the Corporate Partnership program through new strategic initiatives. She also led the Founders Society, the museum’s leadership giving donor group, to historic growth and revenue for the mission of the museum.

“I am thrilled to join Easterseals Redwood as the new Director of Advancement,” said Stutenroth. “I truly enjoy connecting people to the important missions that impact lives in our region. I look forward to leveraging my past professional experiences and community relationships to support Easterseals Redwood.

Outside of work, Stutenroth has served on leadership committees at her church, Impact 100, and the University Club. She is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She became a docent at the Cincinnati Art Museum in 2024 and continues to give tours to visitors and school groups. She and her husband, Chuck, have raised three boys and in her free time, she enjoys fitness, gardening, art, travel, and Kentucky Bourbon.