Michelle Sinkler joined the Open Space Institute’s Southeast office two years ago as director of development, communications, government relations and special projects and to lead program-wide fundraising efforts including the public and private fundraising strategy for the Black River Initiative.

Prior to joining OSI, Michelle assisted private and public entities in developing and executing land conservation strategies to improve quality of life for South Carolina communities. Her clients include The Nature Conservancy, the Lowcountry Land Trust and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation.

She has 25 years of experience in advocacy, communications, campaign management, strategic planning and public relations. She was formerly the land use director for the Coastal Conservation League, where for 6 years she helped communities advocate for improved land use and development policies. Michelle graduated from Wellesley College in 1991 and the University of Colorado, School of Law in 1995.

She lives with her husband and two children in Mount Pleasant, SC and spends much time on their permanently protected family farm on Wadmalaw Island.