The Nonprofit Leadership Center (NLC) is pleased to announce that Michelle M. Sanchez, CPA, will serve as its board chair for 2024, effective January 1. As a passionate member of the NLC board since 2021 and a public accountant in the Tampa Bay area since 1994, Michelle brings deep expertise in auditing and financial management to the organization and nonprofit sector.
“Nonprofits are the lifeline that assists so many in our community who may be struggling. The Nonprofit Leadership Center exists to ensure our nonprofits have the tools to thrive and continue to do the work that is so important to our community. I can’t think of a better cause, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the organization’s next board chair.”
Michelle is a member of Warren Averett, where she is a leader of the firm’s nonprofit industry service team. Michelle is responsible for audits, reviews and compilations for a broad-based clientele, including nonprofit organizations, manufacturing firms, distribution companies and various service industry companies.
As Michelle leads the Nonprofit Leadership Center’s board in the year ahead, she is energized by the staff and board members she will work alongside. “We plan to be intentional as we expand our programming, embrace continuing technological changes, and adapt to the market’s changing needs.”
Michelle holds her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baylor University. She lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband of more than 30 years and has two children.
5 Questions with Michelle Sanchez
From financial management to kayaking and bowling, we’re excited to have this incredible leader at the helm in the upcoming year! Get to know Michelle better:
1. What’s your favorite class or learning experience from the Nonprofit Leadership Center?
Michelle: Because there are so many amazing training opportunities at NLC, it is difficult to pick a favorite. As a program graduate, I highly recommend the Certificate in Nonprofit Financial Management. This course helps nonprofit professionals become well-rounded leaders by providing the necessary tools to serve in a nonprofit management position. Additionally, the connections you make will become go-to peers and lifelong friends.
2. As a team of lifelong learners, what’s something you want to learn more about or hone your skills in during the upcoming year?
Michelle: At the most recent Nonprofit Leadership Conference, Shola Richards talked about Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are.” He emphasized the importance of going together. This really resonated with me. I want to ensure I am taking the time to reflect and recognize the needs of those around me. It is easy to get caught up in the business of the world we live in today. I want to be able to pause and think about what I can do “just today.”
3. Finish this sentence: Together we will ________.
Michelle: Together, we will persevere.
4. When you’re not in the office, what can people find you doing that you most enjoy?
Michelle: Kayaking around the Weedon Island area, looking for manatees, dolphins and sting rays. I have a love for the outdoors and the water. Being out on my kayak is my happy place. I also love spending time with my family playing board games, doing puzzles, or just watching our favorite shows together. I am blessed with two beautiful children (24 and 18), and my husband of 33 years.
5. What’s something most people don’t know about you or would be surprised to learn?
Michelle: I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan (yes, there really is a Kalamazoo). The winters were pretty cold, so we did a lot of bowling to keep us busy in the winter. I’m a good bowler, but not the best in my family. My brother had a perfect 300 game.
Please join us in congratulating and thanking Michelle for her service and many contributions to our nonprofit sector. You can connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.