WILMA’s Leadership Institute: Meet Kelly Greenland

WILMA’s 2026 Leadership Institute, an annual nine-month program, gives area women the opportunity to learn from leaders in the region, visit a range of local companies, and serve as each other’s personal board of directors.

WILMA’s Leadership Institute, an annual nine-month program, gives area women the opportunity to learn from leaders in the region, visit a range of local companies, and serve as each other’s personal board of directors. The program is part of the WILMA Leadership Initiative, created to empower women to lead with confidence and purpose. Meet institute member KELLY GREENLAND.

Kelly Greenland

Title:  Foundation Coordinator

Company:  Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

How long have you been with your current employer?  2 years and 2 months

Alma Mater:  East Carolina University

Prior career experience:

-Community Outreach Specialist & Admissions Counselor (Aveda Institute of Wilmington formerly College of Wilmington)

-Digital and TV Sales Assistant (WECT News – Wilmington, NC)

-Account Manager and Newscast Producer (WMBF News – Myrtle Beach, SC)

-Newscast Producer (KRNV & KRXI – Reno, NV)

-Production Assistant (WCTI News Channel 12 – New Bern, NC)

-Bookseller and Barista (Barnes & Noble Booksellers – Greenville, NC)

Current job responsibilities: As Foundation Coordinator at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, I manage and execute signature fundraising and community engagement events that support the organization’s mission of providing compassionate care across the region. I lead the planning and logistics for major organizational events, including the Last Chance for White Pants Gala, which raised a record-breaking $160,000 in 2025, as well as the Cape Fear Festival of Trees and the inaugural Jingle and Joy Gala. I develop and maintain donor engagement strategies through biannual Tribute Ceremonies, coordinating 80–100 memorial recognitions for families each cycle, and by leading meaningful community traditions such as the Festival of Trees. In addition, I organize and oversee third-party fundraising events to strengthen community partnerships and expand fundraising reach. I have also initiated and implemented text messaging and email marketing platforms to increase donations and boost event attendance. Throughout all initiatives, I collaborate closely with the development team to ensure events align with organizational fundraising goals and donor stewardship strategies.

Hobbies: Outside of work, I maintain a very active lifestyle and enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible. My interests include daily fitness training, surfing, hiking, backpacking, camping, and disc golf. I also enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons as a creative and social outlet, and I love traveling whenever I can. Most of all, I value any activity that allows me to spend quality time with my two dogs.

To learn more about WILMA’s Leadership Institute and Initiative, go to https://www.wilmamag.com/leadership/

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