Melissa Ehrhardt
Director, Capacity Building
Melissa Ehrhardt joined Gulf Coast Community Foundation as Director, Capacity Building in July 2026. In this role, she leads the Foundation’s Invest In Incredible (I3) capacity-building initiative, working alongside nonprofit teams, consultants, and community partners to strengthen organizations and help build thriving communities throughout the region. A firm believer that strong nonprofits create stronger communities, Melissa is energized by helping organizations build capacity, develop leaders, and achieve their missions more effectively. She values relationship-centered leadership, collaboration, and meeting organizations where they are in their growth journey. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about connecting people, resources, and organizations to create sustainable, long-term impact.
Melissa brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, partnership development, and disaster response. Prior to joining Gulf Coast, she worked with the American Red Cross, where she cultivated strategic partnerships, mobilized volunteers, and helped communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Melissa earned her degree from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) and is passionate about serving her community through volunteerism and nonprofit leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, friends, and her dog Tuck and embracing her favorite role—being the fun aunt.
Back to The Team