Christel Chvilicek, CFRE

Christel Chvilicek is a Bozeman, Montana native and proud graduate of Montana State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She later completed her Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University, building the academic foundation that has shaped her career in mission-driven work. After more than a decade of experience in the sector, Christel earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, an internationally recognized standard for fundraising excellence.

Christel’s career reflects a deep commitment to strategic, sustainable organizational growth.

She has served in a range of leadership roles, including Program Coordinator for HRDC Head Start, Early Learning Director for the Gallatin Valley YMCA, Development Director for Central Asia Institute, and Executive Director of Befrienders. Across these positions, she has focused on expanding programs, developing strong partnerships, and strengthening the systems that ensure long-term impact. Her work has consistently centered on building organizations that can meet community needs with both agility and accountability.

With more than 15 years in the nonprofit field, Christel is known for her ability to guide organizations through periods of transition, lead high-performing teams, and design comprehensive fundraising and development strategies. Her leadership blends operational expertise with a mission-first mindset, allowing her to advance organizational goals while keeping people and purpose at the center of the work.

Outside of her professional role, Christel is deeply rooted in her community. She and her husband, married in 2008, are the proud parents of two boys who keep them busy on the competitive swim deck. In her spare time, she enjoys mentoring emerging nonprofit professionals, serving on local boards, and spending time outdoors across the state of Montana including golfing, boating, and camping.

Executive Director Family Promise of Gallatin Valley 

November 2019 – Present

• Grew the organization’s budget from $300,000 to $4.5M, expanding staff capacity from 4 staff to 40, and grew service delivery to meet a 4100% increase in families served.
• Executed a $5.5M capital campaign that developed an 18,000 square foot community facility, utilizing community dollars and a tax credit partnership. 

Executive Director Befrienders 

November 2018 – October 2019

• Assure high-quality program delivery by setting annual goals and objectives that ensure 200+ individuals are served each year. 
• Create and implement an annual diversified fundraising plan raising over $100,000+.
• Train and lead a team of over 100 volunteers to ensure program participation and success. 

Development Director Central Asia Institute 

July 2016 – August 2018

• Collaborated with the Development Committee and Executive Director to create a fund development plan that drove revenue to support the strategic direction of the organization.
• Developed and managed timelines for various fundraising activities to ensure strategic targets were reached, collectively raising between $3.0 - $6.0 million each year.
• Built and developed relationships with international partners, board members, staff, and donors that ended in a mutually beneficial partnership that strengthened mission goals. 
• Promoted from Grants and Sponsorship Manager (August 2015 - July 2016) to Development Director. 

Early Learning Director Gallatin Valley YMCA 

August 2012-August 2015

• Responsible for administering the operation of the GVYMCA Child Care and Early Learning programs.
• Oversaw the management of programs, including volunteer and staff development of 30+ people.
• Accountable for financial development and collaborations with community agencies in meeting the needs of members and program participants. 

Program Coordinator Human Resource Development Council 

July 2007 – August 2012

• Wrote and managed all grant applications, including 1.5 million dollar federal grant.
• Responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the annual budget.
• Maintained all aspects of the licensing process through the State of Montana.
• Coordinated and organized the Policy Council governing board, including parent and community elections, training, preparation of the monthly meeting agendas and recording of the meeting minutes.

Sales Account Manager Holiday Inn 

May 2006-July 2007

• Solicited businesses-developed relationships into customers through cold calls and outside sales.
• Negotiated contract terms and prices in order to satisfy the needs of the client and the hotel.
• Researched and implemented different marketing strategies to generate revenue.
• Maintained and strengthened existing account relationships.

BS in Business Management

MS in Nonprofit Management and Leadership