Liz Daugherty, MSML
Liz Daugherty is a nonprofit development leader and Development Director at Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. (MEOC), where she leads fundraising, donor engagement, and partnership efforts to support programs serving older adults in rural Virginia. In her role, she focuses on securing corporate sponsorships, identifying grant opportunities, and building meaningful relationships with businesses, foundations, and community stakeholders. Her work directly supports critical services for aging populations, and she is deeply committed to ensuring long-term sustainability and impact for the organization.
With a background spanning donor relations, community foundations, and adult education, Liz brings a well-rounded and strategic approach to nonprofit leadership. Prior to her current role, she served as Grant and Donor Services Manager at the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, where she partnered with donors and nonprofits to advance philanthropic initiatives. Now working in a rural region, she has embraced the challenge of limited funding resources by leveraging research, relationship-building, and creative outreach to expand opportunities and visibility for her organization.
Liz holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University and is recognized for her values-driven leadership style rooted in integrity, professionalism, and empathy. She is passionate about connecting people to purpose and strengthening communities through collaboration and service. Through persistence and a commitment to her mission, Liz continues to grow her impact—working to ensure that older adults receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve.
• Western Governors University
Master of Science - MS, Management & Leadership
• Virginia Intermont College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Interdisciplinary Studies
• News and Tribune Top 20 Under 40 (2024)
• Excellence Award in Management and Communication course at Western Governors University
• National Honor Society of Leadership membership
• Local chambers of commerce
• National Honor Society of Leadership
• Mountain Empire Older Citizens
• St. Jude's
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and a commitment to continuous growth. I’ve navigated personal and professional challenges along the way, but I stayed focused on improving myself, including earning my master’s degree. I’ve also been fortunate to have mentors—especially a former boss—who encouraged me to keep pushing forward and believe in my potential.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to keep following my dreams and stay focused on my goals. That encouragement reminded me that progress takes time and consistency, and that staying committed—even when things are difficult—will ultimately lead to meaningful outcomes.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is simple: never give up. There will be challenges and setbacks, but persistence is key. Work hard, stay committed, and when things don’t go as planned, take a step back if needed—but always come back and keep moving forward.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face is working in a rural area where securing funding and corporate sponsorships can be more difficult compared to larger, more populated regions. However, there are also exciting opportunities—such as increased media exposure—which can help bring visibility to our mission, open doors to new partnerships, and expand our reach.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are integrity, strong communication, and professionalism. I also believe deeply in building genuine relationships through networking, being approachable and friendly, and leading with empathy. These values shape how I serve others and how I approach both my work and personal life.