Harold A. Melser

Following his service as Assistant Professor of Speech at Concordia University Nebraska, Harold has had a long, respected and award-winning career as a fundraising professional. In 2014 he retired as Director of Ministry Advancement for Lutheran Hour Ministries and President of the Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation. Prior to that he worked as Associate Vice President of Development at the St. Louis Science Center, Executive Director of Development at Southern Illinois University Foundation, Director of Mission Advancement for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Executive Director of the Deaconess Health System Foundation. His years of success and experience in fundraising, has led him to be a mentor and advisor to many other professional fundraisers. Currently, Harold has his own consulting company, HMConsulting, working with clients like the St. Louis Science Center. Harold has been recognized with several awards including the 1989 Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Fundraising Executive of the Year and the 2006 St. Louis Council for Charitable Gift Planners Founder’s Award.

Since his retirement, he has continued to work for many civic and faith-based organizations sharing his talents on numerous boards and as a volunteer. “Following the counsel that we should use whatever gifts we have received to serve others (1 Peter 4:10), I set my path in honor of God and in service to our community”, is what motivates Harold each day. You can find Harold volunteering at the Dennis and Judy Jones Visitors Center in Forest Park and at the America’s Center downtown through Explore St. Louis. Harold serves as Board Chair of Family Shield Ministries and is Vice Chair of Lutherans in Medical Missions. He is on the board of the Monroe County YMCA where he plans and implements one-day tours in the Saint Louis area for older adults. He also volunteers for Christian Friends of New Americans where he serves on the Trivia Night Committee, co-chairs their annual Freedom Run and has chaired their Annual Golf Benefit.