Policy Matters welcomes new development director
Posted April 26, 2022 in Press Releases
Michelle Unangst brings 20 years of nonprofit experience
This month, Michelle Unangst joined Policy Matters Ohio as the organization’s new development director after a long career supporting nonprofit organizations throughout Northeast Ohio.
Unangst provided development support for Policy Matters’ close partner, Northern Ohioans for Budget Legislation Equality (NOBLE), as well as neighborhood social service hubs such as the West Side Community House and Merrick House. She assisted the organizations in grant writing, organizational storytelling, budgeting, donor management, program development and coordination, and community-based practice.
“Working with direct service providers, I saw both the life-changing impact those services can have, as well as the limitations,” Unangst said. “I saw how public policy decisions often determine whether people have access to health care or get enough to eat. In my previous positions, I helped build capacity and stability for mission-driven nonprofits that share my values. Now at Policy Matters Ohio, I’m doing something similar with a focus on creating stability for Ohioans across the state through better public policy.”
Unangst, who has an undergraduate degree in Spanish and elementary education, began her career as a classroom teacher. Later, she obtained a master’s degree in social administration from Case Western Reserve University and built community-based literacy programs as a social worker.
“In just a short time, Michelle has already made our organization more effective,” said Policy Matters Executive Director Hannah Halbert. “Michelle’s experience helps us connect our internal systems to our mission and our organization’s values, so when someone contributes to Policy Matters Ohio they know their support means a better future for Ohio’s families and workers.”