Director of Development
phone 612-547-1452
fax 612-547-1484
elissa@vocalessence.org

Elissa Weller is Director of Development for VocalEssence, overseeing all philanthropic efforts for the organization including individual, corporate, foundation, and government funding sources, major gifts, special events and fundraisers. In her role, she oversees the Development and Gala committees.

Elissa joined VocalEssence in 2007 as the Chorus and Volunteer Manager. In addition to her work managing the Chorus and Ensemble Singers and overseeing organization volunteers, in 2010 she began managing the VocalEssence WITNESS Community Engagement Program. In 2012, Elissa was promoted to Institutional Giving & Events Manager, and promoted to Director of Development in March of 2021.

Prior to joining the VocalEssence staff, she spent several years managing events, and overseeing institutional and corporate sales as a Community Relations Manager for Barnes & Noble. Elissa has also done contract work as a part-time Administrative Associate for the Oratorio Society of Minnesota and a Stage Manager for One Voice Mixed Chorus in Saint Paul. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hamline University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Flute Performance and Political Science Public Policy. She has a certificate in Fundraising from the University of St. Thomas – Opus College of Business. She has two children and enjoys running with Moms on the Run and going on adventures with her family, and volunteers as a troop leader and day camp director for Girl Scouts.