Michelle Rutter - Project Director

Michelle Rutter is a results-oriented marketing professional with more than twenty five years’ experience leading efforts for some of the world’s most recognized brands such as Miramax Films, Disney, Mattel, and World Vision.

Michelle fulfilled her childhood dream of working for the Walt Disney Company where she spent seven years in the Marketing and Brand Management Department. When the theme park expanded into a resort in 2001, she oversaw marketing and branding for the three hotels and Downtown Disney. She was also responsible for the successful marketing rollout of Disney’s Fastpass program, which changed the way guests experience waiting in lines at theme parks.

Michelle then spent three years with Mattel, Inc. developing and marketing licensed products for their portfolio of toy brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels and Polly Pocket.

In 2006, Michelle joined World Vision, a $1B nonprofit, helping to connect and build relationships between sponsors and their sponsored children.  Shortly after, she assumed leadership of the Extra Gift Program, which was designed to raise donations from the existing sponsorship membership. Under her guidance, the program grew by 28%, raising over $140 million. In addition, during her six-year tenure, Michelle managed the Gift Catalog and Single Gift Programs during a period of record growth.

Since leaving World Vision in 2012, Michelle has consulted for many nonprofit clients, using her passion and strategic and creative expertise to assist organizations in strategic planning, developing and executing integrated fundraising campaigns, reporting and analysis, donor treatment, product/offer development, and branding.