YouthLink Announces Danny (Daniel) Lee as Director of Development
YouthLink is excited to announce Danny (Daniel) Lee as its next Director of Development, signaling a continued commitment in the organization’s mission to empower at-risk youth. Danny will work closely with YouthLink’s CEO, Rich Melzer and Board of Directors, leveraging their leadership to further deepen impact and community trust.
Danny joins YouthLink with a proven track record in transformational philanthropy, national fundraising strategy, and senior nonprofit leadership. His experience guiding multi-faceted campaigns, building strong cross-functional teams, and sustaining mission-driven programs positions him to help sustain and accelerate YouthLink’s growth. Notable roles include Associate Vice President at Operation Smile, Director of Principal Gifts and Director of Development at NMDP (formerly Be the Match).
“Danny brings a unique blend of strategic visioning, fundraising expertise, and an irresistible commitment to his community” said Rich Melzer, CEO of YouthLink MN. “His potential to continue mobilizing diverse partners around a shared mission aligns perfectly with YouthLink’s values and our recent successes.” YouthLink has experienced tremendous success in recent years, expanding partnerships, program opportunities, outperforming its annual budget in 2025 and categorically increasing positive outcomes for young people. This role Danny tranisitions into will be the first transition to YouthLink’s leadership team in over four years.
Danny’s leadership will be central to preserving that momentum, strengthening donor relationships and volunteer engagement, and ensuring sustainable growth that keeps YouthLink at the forefront of youth empowerment. “YouthLink is fantastic! Knowing in the last year they’ve had 35% growth in revenue is incredible, as is the increase in net income, cash on hand, and net assets, and I’m looking forward to digging in.” said Danny.
Details – Danny Lee
- Director of Development
- Senior Development Leader | National Fundraising Strategy | Transformational Philanthropy
- Associate Vice President, Operation Smile
- Director of Principal Gifts, NMDP
- Director of Development, NMDP
About YouthLink YouthLink is a Minnesota nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk and underserved youth through education, health, mentorship, and community engagement. YouthLink partners with schools, families, and community organizations to create lasting impact and pathways to success for every young person served.
