Hudson Valley, New York, USA – June 25, 2018 – Abilities First, a regional nonprofit organization, is pleased to announce that Chief Advancement Officer Melissa McCoy is included in CFRE International’s recent announcement of professionals credentialed as Certified Fund Raising Executives (CFREs). McCoy joins just 6,100 fundraising professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation.  

Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, educationThe process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits. We believe all children and adults can benefit from quality education. More, and demonstrated fundraising achievement for not-for-profit organizations. They have also passed a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive, and have agreed to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.  

CFRE International is an independent organization dedicated to upholding the highest standards in ethical philanthropic fundraising through the certification of fundraising executives. The CFRE credential is available worldwide and is accredited internationally by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).  

Jeffery Fox, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Abilities First said, “We congratulate Melissa on this outstanding achievement! We are fortunate to have such an accomplished professional leading the advancement efforts of our organization.”

Ms. McCoy has served Abilities First since 2014, leading the organization’s marketing, communication, community relations, and philanthropy and business development initiatives. McCoy is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Mid-Hudson chapter, where she has served in leadership roles, as well as represented AFP Northeast US as Regional Directors, and on the AFP international Committee on Directorship.