Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga Announces a New Executive Director

Chattanooga-area policy and advocacy-focused nonprofit, the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga (WFGC), brings in new leadership and experience with the selection of Melody Shekari as the organization’s executive director. 

Shekari has extensive experience managing teams, working with notable stakeholders and advocating for policy issues. Most recently, she worked as an attorney and consultant at her own firm, Shekari Law PLLC, where she consulted with local officials and worked on federal grant applications. 

“Our board is thrilled to have Melody lead the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga in this new chapter,” said WFGC hiring committee chair and past board chair Rachel Sauceman. “As we focus on increasing positive outcomes for women and girls across the state, Melody brings a deep understanding of advocacy and policy to our organization.”

Her leadership experience includes managing the Shekari Law PLLC office, with over 800 clients served in five years, and running a large organization at the University of Southern California, with a budget of $2 million and 18 employees. 

Melody earned a Bachelor of Science in Managerial Economics from Bentley University, a Master in Public Administration from the University of Washington and a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Southern California. 

The new executive director will be supported in meeting the organization’s goals by the 2024 board of directors, led by the recently appointed board chair Stefanie Crowe. 

“I’m beyond excited to serve as the 2024 chair of the Women’s Fund, following Rachael Sauceman’s exceptional leadership this past year,” said Crowe. “It was an honor to work alongside current and past board members on the executive search committee to choose Melody as our new leader, and I look forward to supporting her, alongside our board, as we work to make life better for every woman and girl in Tennessee.”