CEO · President · Associated Black Charities

CHRISSY M.

Thornton.
CEOEvent ProducerFundraiserAuthorSuccess CoachSpeaker

A high-energy executive with 20+ years transforming nonprofits, empowering communities, and coaching leaders to their next level. Sharing innovative strategies that achieve real, measurable growth.

Chrissy M. Thornton
20+
Years of Impact
6
Published Works
CEO
Fundraising Expert
Published Author
Success Coach
Event Producer
DEI Speaker
Nonprofit Strategist
Women's Empowerment
Leadership Development
Morgan State Alum
CEO
Fundraising Expert
Published Author
Success Coach
Event Producer
DEI Speaker
Nonprofit Strategist
Women's Empowerment
Leadership Development
Morgan State Alum

The Four
Dimensions

🎪
Event Producer & Fundraiser
  • Large-scale Fundraising Events
  • Peer-to-Peer Walks & Runs
  • Educational Conferences
  • Galas & Banquets
  • Fundraising Plan Creation
📚
Author
  • Stop Scrambling, Start Bringing Home The Bacon
  • One DAE At A Time Devotional
  • The Holiday Party
  • NAMIWalks Business Plan
  • Walk Manager Planning Guide
💼
Entrepreneur
  • Former Real Estate Investor
  • Franchise Owner
  • Foreign Currency Trader
  • Business Plan Development
  • Cash Flow Quadrants Educator
🎯
Success Coach
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Entrepreneurship & Business
  • Energized Leadership
  • Wealth Building & Financial Literacy
  • Women's Empowerment

President &
CEO

"She has the uncanny ability to coach others to success by seeing their potential."

Chrissy M. Thornton is the President and CEO of Associated Black Charities. A native New Yorker, she is a high-energy, creative, and outgoing executive with a professional attitude and diverse experience spanning organizational management, fundraising, board development, and large-scale event production.

With a Master's degree in Business (Organizational Management) from Morgan State University and 20+ years of nonprofit expertise, Chrissy has successfully supported organizations of all sizes with diagnosis and rebuilding, fundraising plan creation and execution, marketing and branding, and the implementation of innovative engagement strategies.

She is also the founder of My Girl Power Hour — featured in the Baltimore Sun — an ongoing discussion and event series empowering women to overcome obstacles and live their best lives.

Recognition & Awards
Baltimore Sun Top 25 Women to Watch · 2024
Maryland Top 100 Woman · 2023 & 2025
Most Admired CEO · 2024
Black Marylanders to Watch · Baltimore Sun 2025
Immediate Past President, Greater Baltimore County Chapter — Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Services That
Transform

From organizational diagnosis to board development to event production — Chrissy brings a proven methodology and 20+ years of results to every engagement. Fees vary by scope; complimentary consultations available for qualifying nonprofits.


Request a Consultation →
01
Fundraising Strategy
End-to-end fundraising plan development — donor relations, corporate partnerships, event design, peer-to-peer campaigns, and grant writing. Built for impact and sustainability.
Nonprofits · Events · Campaigns
02
Board & Committee Development
Effective board governance sets the tone for every organization. Recruitment, engagement, onboarding, and ongoing development — building boards that lead with purpose.
Governance · Leadership · Nonprofits
03
Organizational Diagnosis
A systematic look at your organization's gaps, strengths, and opportunities. Produces a concrete Organizational Improvement Plan with actionable implementation strategies.
Strategy · Assessment · Growth
04
Leadership Development
Helping leaders build their muscle — goal setting, prioritizing, identifying strengths, tapping into personal motivation, and sustaining the energy to produce consistent outcomes.
Coaching · Teams · Management
05
Event Production
Seamless execution of galas, conferences, fundraisers, workshops, and peer-to-peer activities. Large-scale or intimate — Chrissy brings 20+ years of production experience.
Events · Conferences · Galas
06
Graphic Design & Branding
Creative design services at accessible prices — logos, brochures, newsletters, digital fliers, trade show materials, and nonprofit promotional assets that communicate with impact.
Design · Marketing · Brand

The Room
Changes

A dynamic, sought-after speaker who energizes audiences and leaves them with tools they can use immediately. From boardrooms to ballrooms — Chrissy commands every stage.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Entrepreneurship & Business
Energized Leadership
Wealth Building & Financial Literacy
Women's Empowerment
Nonprofit Stakeholder Engagement
Health Equity & Access
Motivation & Mindset
20+Years on Stage
50+Cities Nationwide
8Speaker Topics
★★★★★Client Feedback
Book Chrissy for Your Next Event
Keynotes, workshops, panels, and facilitated discussions — Chrissy is available for conferences, corporate events, nonprofit convenings, and community programs. Inquire below for availability and speaker fees.
Request Booking Information →
Download Speaker Profile PDF →

Six Books.
One Mission.

Stop Scrambling, Start Bringing Home The Bacon
Chrissy M. Thornton
Stop Scrambling, Start Bringing Home The Bacon
The flagship guide to establishing an effective fundraising plan for your nonprofit organization. The most-read work in Chrissy's catalog.
One DAE At A Time Devotional
Chrissy M. Thornton
One DAE At A Time Devotional
A daily devotional designed to inspire, ground, and empower readers through consistent intentional living.
The Holiday Party
Chrissy M. Thornton
The Holiday Party
A creative work from Chrissy's catalog — available via Lulu.com.
NAMIWalks Business Plan
Chrissy M. Thornton
NAMIWalks Business Plan
A strategic planning resource for coordinating and executing peer-to-peer fundraising walks for mental health advocacy.
Walk Manager Planning Guide & Journal
Chrissy M. Thornton
Walk Manager Planning Guide & Journal
A practical operational resource for event managers coordinating fundraising walk campaigns.
An Ex-Offender's Guide To Returning to Work
Chrissy M. Thornton
An Ex-Offender's Guide To Returning to Work
A compassionate, practical resource for individuals navigating workforce re-entry after incarceration.

Voices of
Impact

"

Chrissy inspires groups and individuals to engage, contribute, and laugh, even during the challenges. She has a real gift for being in front of the room and her innovative spirit shines through in all that she touches.

Valerie Hunter
Organization and Talent Development Catalyst — Shaping Leaders, Learning & Cultures
"

Chrissy defines leadership and professionalism. She is truly a visionary in the nonprofit sector — a go-getter determined to achieve high goals, raise money, and make a big impact. She has perfected the art of working with all different types of individuals from all backgrounds.

Molly Gascoigne
Director of Development — ASCRS Foundation
"

Her education, experience, and dedication gave me confidence to embrace her innovative approach. She's an inspiring professional and strong leader — someone who truly elevates everyone around her.

Melissa Brougham
Project Manager & Analyst
Client Roster — Consultations, Presentations, Strategic Planning & Workshops
Maryland Nonprofits
NAMI National
Baltimore County Government
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
NSBE National
Be2t Foundation
New Beginnings DYRS
Community Foundation
Ocean City Chamber
ArtsCentric Theatre
Jack & Jill of America
Sigma Alpha Iota
Morgan State University
Carter Legacy Singers
Featured in the Baltimore Sun

My GirlPower Hour

A discussion and event series empowering women to overcome obstacles, build wealth, and live their best lives. Join the movement — upcoming events on Facebook.

Let's Create Something Extraordinary Together

Whether you're looking for a speaker, consultant, coach, or collaborative partner — Chrissy is ready to bring her full energy and expertise to your mission.

📍
Maryland · Baltimore Region
🌐
chrissythornton.com
💼
linkedin.com/in/chrissythornton
▶️
YouTube: cmt113c