Michelle Black White is a servant leader who has dedicated her professional and volunteer efforts to improve her community. As executive director of the Brightside Foundation Inc., she has helped lead the public/private partnership that engages thousands of volunteers annually in clean and green activities that beautify and foster pride in the Louisville community through volunteerism, planting, sustainability, and education. Michelle successfully led Gallopalooza, a community-wide public art project in 2015 and 2024, and raised more than $500,000 to support Brightside and helped fund the special LED lighting project on the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge.

After 10 years in the advertising industry in new business development and senior account management, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector and has served on the boards of the Junior League of Louisville, KMAC (Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft), Louisville Ballet, Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, Rotary Fund of Louisville, Gallopalooza, and Brightside Inc., among others.

Her nonprofit leadership experience includes fund development, strategic planning, board governance, marketing and public relations, financial management, and increasing stakeholder engagement. In 2018, Michelle was awarded the Junior League of Louisville’s highest honor, the Founders’ Award, which recognizes a sustaining member for outstanding service on behalf of the Junior League and the community.

Michelle lives in Louisville with her husband and three sons and enjoys spending time outdoors running or walking her dogs, trying a new recipe, reading, or pursuing her artistic endeavors.