Shoreline College is pleased to welcome April Nilsen as the new Associate Vice President of Development & Community Engagement / Executive Director of the Foundation.
April brings over 12 years of nonprofit development, communications, and organizational leadership experience, most recently as Vice President of Development & Impact at Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS).
She will begin her new role at Shoreline College on August 3, 2026.
For over a decade at WABS, April held roles spanning fundraising, grant writing, communications, data analysis, and program leadership. She led comprehensive fund development strategy across public, corporate, and private philanthropy; modernized infrastructure through CRM and analytics integration; and designed high-impact fundraising events.
Prior to her nonprofit career, April worked as an educator and administrator in early childhood education, where she supervised and mentored a team of educators.
Energized by work that includes both strategic vision and hands-on implementation, April is particularly drawn to spaces where education, philanthropy, and community come together. She believes that strong, authentic relationships and clear storytelling are what turn a mission into momentum, and she’s excited to bring that belief to the Shoreline College community.
“After more than a decade working at the intersection of fundraising and strategy in public education, joining the Shoreline College Foundation feels like a natural next step, and a genuine privilege,” April said. “What excites me most is the chance to work alongside a Foundation board and campus community that already understands how investing in students shapes their future trajectory. There are so many traditions and partnerships that make Shoreline’s donor community special, and I’m honored to help lead that work into its next chapter.”
April holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington. She serves on the Board of Directors for Snohomish County Legal Services and the Edmonds Woodway High School Music Boosters.
Outside of work, April enjoys spending time with her daughter, painting, reading, and exploring the outdoors.