Cheryl L. Poel Nielsen has been involved in ministry development and leadership with a wide range of Christian not-for-profit organizations over the past eighteen years.  After working in public accounting, she served for eleven years at Calvin College as Annual Fund Director, Planned Giving Director, Campaign Director, and Vice President for Development. She worked with Christian schools and foundation boards in her role as Director of Business and Development for Christian Schools International. In her senior leadership roles with an international radio ministry and with an international relief and development organization, Cheryl worked with major donors, board members and volunteers, trained development staff, and traveled internationally with donors.

Cheryl is a respected fund-raising professional, mentor, speaker, and leader. She has authored a Planned Giving column, written articles for fundraising newsletters, and co-edited the daily devotional, Listen and Be Still.  Her passion is building the kingdom of Jesus Christ through encouraging donors and organizations in their life of stewardship.

Cheryl received a B.A. in Education from Calvin College and her accounting degree from Davenport University.  She has taken numerous courses in philanthropy and leadership training.  Her memberships in professional organizations include Christian Stewardship Association, Christian Management Association, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and National Committee on Planned Giving.

Her professional and community involvement and experiences include:

            Board member and secretary, Christian Community Ministries Foundation

            Board member and Advisory Board chairperson, Barnabas Foundation

            Board member and treasurer, Oakdale Christian School

            Board member and vice president, Camp Roger

Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities, Annual Meeting Planning Committee and seminar presenter

            Community and church leadership positions

Her presentations include:   

            Development workshop for board members and non-profit leaders, Jakarta, Indonesia

            Association of Fundraising Professionals Workshop leader

            Christian Schools International leadership conference presenter

            Women’s Conference workshop presenter

            Lecturer, Calvin College class on philanthropy

            Barnabas Foundation Annual Conference presenter