Michael Accardi, MPP

Education:
Master of Public Policy, Scrivner Institute of Public Policy at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver

BA in Political Science, University of New Hampshire; Triple minor in American Studies, English Literature, and Race, Culture and Power; Pi Kappa Alpha, Gamma Mu Chapter

Bio:

Michael R. Accardi, MPP, brings a diverse and broad array of experience to his role as Director of Resource Development, spanning more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector. Throughout his career, Michael has designed institutional advancement strategies, and led their tactical implementation through program development and frontline fundraising. Evidence of his success is found in many forms, including securing major philanthropic investments from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies; building transformational workforce development partnerships and career ladders; cultivating and recruiting boards of directors and advisors; and designing new centers of thought, programming, and service — all with a focus on advancing mission and achieving resource development goals.

Prior to joining BTC, Michael served in various organizational leadership roles. At Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, Michael helped design and implement Merrimack's 10-year strategic plan, developing signature initiatives for the college while growing fundraising revenues in the process. In his various roles, Michael led the reorganization of the development department, creating a frontline fundraising team that led to the doubling of philanthropic income in under five years. In addition, among his accomplishments are the college’s first-ever National Science Foundation grant, $1 million in funding for a Center for Student Success, and a $600,000 individual gift, the largest in Merrimack’s history at the time.

Before joining Merrimack College, Michael worked at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, building the college’s fundraising infrastructure and strategy, and partnering across the university on the development of its national campus expansion plan, which has catalyzed tremendous institutional growth, leading to the establishment of professional campuses across North America. In addition, Michael has provided consulting services and strategic counsel to dozens of organizations around the country, both independently and as an affiliate of Marts & Lundy, and has taught fundraising as an adjunct professor in various graduate degree programs.

Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, and a Master of Public Policy from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, where his capstone policy memo analyzed the use of eminent domain for private economic development.

Areas of Interest:
Mentor, Gays With Kids

Selected Publications:
Michael’s capstone policy memo was on the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution, analyzing the use of eminent domain for private economic development, sparked by the landmark US Supreme Court case, Kelo v. New London.