Melissa Crutchfield is the Program Director for the Vulnerable Children in Sub-Saharan Africa (VCSSA) Program, working to improve the health and well-being of children and families in rural communities by building resilience and strengthening systems.
With over 20 years of experience in global grantmaking and program development, Melissa has worked on humanitarian relief, maternal and child health, and community development initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide. Prior to joining Helmsley, she was a senior consultant and global manager for the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities, leading a partnership with UNICEF to deepen the impact of child-centered programs in 35 countries. Before this, Melissa held a variety of executive leadership and advisory positions with several international non-profit and faith-based organizations, and served two years as an English teacher in Cameroon with the U.S. Peace Corps. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with institutional partners including UNICEF, the UN Foundation, the Global Fund, USAID, the Gates Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Episcopal Health Foundation, Against Malaria Foundation, and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.

Melissa holds a BA in French from Southern Methodist University and an MA in International Training and Education from American University. Outside of work, she volunteers in disaster response and with NYC’s city parks. She enjoys hiking, camping, and caring for her tropical fish aquarium at her Manhattan home.