The Wallace Center Welcomes Dr. Claire Mitchell as Development Manager
The Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation is pleased to announce that Dr. Claire Mitchell will join the organization as Development Manager. Bringing more than fifteen years of experience in grant writing, institutional fundraising, research, and strategic communications, Dr. Mitchell will support the Wallace Center’s continued growth and long-term sustainability through expanded fundraising and development initiatives.
Dr. Mitchell has secured millions of dollars in grant funding throughout her career for educational, community-based, and mission-driven organizations. Most recently, she served as Senior Grants Consultant for SMART Union, where she successfully wrote and secured more than $2.7 million in funding from federal agencies and private foundations, including the EPA, Department of Energy, Omidyar Network, and Overdeck Foundation.
Her professional background includes leadership roles in institutional fundraising, federal grant management, proposal strategy, and nonprofit development with organizations such as Noodle Inc., Beyond Housing, MGT Consulting Group, and the University of Virginia. Throughout her career, Dr. Mitchell has worked across education, housing, public-interest, and community development sectors, helping organizations align compelling storytelling with measurable impact.
“Claire brings an extraordinary combination of strategic thinking, research expertise, and deep commitment to mission-driven work,” said Ebony Howard, Executive Director of the Wallace Center. “Her experience securing complex grant funding and building strong development systems will be invaluable as the Wallace Center continues to grow its programs, partnerships, and national presence.”
Dr. Mitchell earned a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Virginia, a Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she graduated magna cum laude. She also holds a Project Management Certificate from Cornell University.
As Development Manager, Dr. Mitchell will help lead fundraising strategy, grant development, donor engagement, and institutional partnerships in support of the Wallace Center’s descendant-led mission to preserve history, foster reconciliation, and create transformative arts and educational programming at the historic Wallace site in Harpersville, Alabama.