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Elyse Adams

Central

Elyse Adams

Senior Vice President

Summary

For more than a decade, Elyse Adams has helped nonprofit organizations deepen donor engagement, advance ambitious fundraising goals, and build the capacity for lasting philanthropic success. After serving clients in the New York City region for 10 years, she now brings her experience to organizations across the Central United States.

Specialties

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Campaign Management
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Planning & Feasibility Studies
Audits, Assessments & Growth Plans
Systems & Change Management
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Training & Leadership
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Health
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Human Services
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Primary & Secondary Education

The Full Story

Elyse brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to her work, pairing strategic perspective with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. With more than 12 years of nonprofit consulting experience, she has guided organizations with fundraising goals ranging from $2 million to $1 billion. She helps leaders turn bold aspirations into focused plans for growth and fundraising success.

Since joining CCS in 2016, Elyse has advised organizations across the healthcare, higher education, humanitarian, cultural, human services, and education sectors. Her experience includes leading transformational fundraising campaigns and campaign planning studies, engaging volunteer leaders, strengthening donor relationships, and positioning organizations to secure exceptional philanthropic support.

Elyse earned a B.A. from Wittenberg University and an M.P.A. from The Ohio State University. After 10 years in Brooklyn, New York, she returned to Columbus, Ohio. Outside of work, Elyse enjoys tennis, sand volleyball, traveling, and hiking.

I was drawn to the nonprofit sector by the opportunity to make a positive difference. I value the chance to partner with mission-driven organizations and help them turn ambitious ideas into strategies that create meaningful, lasting impact.

Featured Experience

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UNC Health Foundation
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Save the Children
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Central Park Conservancy
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Indiana University School of Medicine
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The Trevor Project
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Brooklyn Public Library
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Madison Square Boys & Girls Club
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Stephen Gaynor School

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