Rhonda Blakesleay Parker joined the Citizens Research Council of Michigan in 2025 as Vice President of Development. She brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, with expertise spanning individual giving, major donor strategy, corporate and foundation partnerships, and institutional grants. Her career has focused on building sustainable fundraising programs, strengthening donor engagement, and aligning philanthropic strategies with mission impact.

Prior to joining the Research Council, Ms. Parker served in senior development roles with NephCure, SafeHouse Center, Orchards Children’s Services, and the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. In these roles, she led strategic fundraising initiatives across regional and statewide footprints, developed donor stewardship systems, and secured diverse revenue streams to support programmatic growth.

Rhonda holds a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baker College. She has earned a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and is currently pursuing her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential.