Professional of the Year - Consulting/Fundraising

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Rachel L. Helton

Title: Owner, CEO
Industry: Consulting/Fundraising
Type of Organization: Consultancy
Major Product/Service: Providing grant writing, fundraising, fundraising sourcing, business consulting, and nonprofit management
Expertise: Ms. Helton is the owner of Helton Consulting, LLC. Her current work includes business consulting, fundraising, foundation sourcing, grant writing/reporting and donor cultivation. Her work prioritizes health equity, equity with social determinants of health, economic development, and workforce development. She is a strong business professional and leader. Ms. Helton leads grant writing and reporting initiatives, strategic planning, organizational initiatives, public relations efforts, fundraising campaigns, and capital projects. She is specifically adept in local, state, and national legislative arenas working with legislators for grant support. Ms. Helton also provides budgeting/fiscal management, compliance, communication strategy, event planning, social media, public speaking, and marketing. She is committed to service and is a humanitarian with a passion to increase equitable opportunities.
Geographic Area of Distribution: National
University/Degree: B.S., Business, University of Virginia's College at Wise; M.B.A., Healthcare Management, King University
Born: May 8, 1985
Hobbies/Sports: Travel, basketball, reading, movies, horses, cats, Fundraising for the Candice B. Rakes Memorial Scholarship
Work History: Previously, Ms. Helton worked for a nationally known nonprofit from 2016 through 2023. Her role was to help sustain the organization with her grant writing and fundraising skillsets.
Honors & Awards: Served as a four-year starter and captain on the women’s basketball team, helping lead to its first VHSL state championship in 2002
Career Accomplishments: Ms. Helton is most proud of her success in writing local, state, and federal grants. She is a known leader in the nonprofit sector, promoting the mission of providing quality, affordable, accessible care to all with an emphasis on serving the medically underserved.