NCCER appoints new director

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) has named Dr. Melissa L. Perkins, CFRE as the director of philanthropy and partnerships.

Dr. Melissa L. Perkins

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NCCER relies on philanthropic investments from corporations, foundations and individuals to advance their mission. The need to provide rigorous and relevant workforce development solutions for the construction industry is central to economic growth in the United States, the company said.

“We are extremely excited to have such a distinguished and experienced philanthropic leader join our team to help us identify and market opportunities for philanthropic partnerships to expand our impact on the construction industry,” said NCCER President and CEO Boyd Worsham.

Perkins is a certified fundraising executive (CFRE) with more than 15 years of experience in fundraising, marketing and communications. She began her career at Pomfret School in Connecticut where she grew increased philanthropic revenue by 122 percent. She expanded her work to Girl Scouts of Connecticut in 2019 where she served as chief marketing and revenue officer. In 2021, Perkins moved to Florida and launched Transformation. Together. 2026.; the first capital campaign for Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami. At Gulliver, she increased annual giving by 106 percent and raised more than $12 million in capital support.

Perkins has been a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) since 2014. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, where she majored in history. She earned her master’s and a doctoral degree from Walden University in Nonprofit Leadership and Public Administration, respectively.