Vanessa Skelton moved to Bozeman in 2005 from Oklahoma and has been a passionate and dedicated leader in the nonprofit sector for over two decades. Most recently, she served with Thrive, a local nonprofit supporting children and families, before transitioning to nonprofit consulting with the Bannack Group.
Now, as Executive Director of the Montana Raptor Conservation Center, Vanessa is excited to bring her extensive experience to guide the organization into a dynamic new chapter. Her wide-ranging expertise spans program development and management, strategic planning, organizational growth, fundraising, marketing, board development, volunteer engagement, and community outreach. Throughout her career, she has held pivotal leadership roles, including Managing Director, Major Gifts Officer, and Program Director.
A devoted outdoor enthusiast, Vanessa finds inspiration on Montana’s rivers and in the presence of the region’s awe-inspiring birds of prey. She believes the heart of strong leadership lies in cultivating authentic relationships, empowering others, and leading with resilience, empathy, and creativity.