Scott Douglas Melton

As the National Aquarium’s senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer, Scott is responsible for all philanthropic functions, including capital and annual operating fundraising. He plays an integral role in strategic planning for all aspects of the Aquarium's day-to-day operations, capital projects and long-term fiscal health.

Scott has an established record of success in professional fundraising with experience in organizations as diverse as local nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and advocacy organizations. Before joining the Aquarium as vice president of individual giving, Scott served as the senior director of individual giving for the NAACP, where he managed direct-response marketing, planned giving, major giving, and development operation activities. During his tenure at the NAACP, Scott was successful in creating dynamic integrated marketing campaigns that made it possible for the association to more than triple the size of their donor base.

Scott is a graduate of Winthrop University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing communication. He is recognized as an expert within the fundraising community and is often invited to speak at national and local conferences; and he serves on the boards of directors for several organizations.