Michelle Calachino is a dynamic and results-driven financial and operational leader with a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in media, nonprofit, and corporate finance. She has held executive roles in both financial and operational capacities, including her tenure as VP/General Manager and Controller/Director of Planning and Operations at Paramount-CBS News and Stations, where she successfully led WTOG’s business strategy, financial oversight, and operational execution.
Michelle’s expertise extends beyond traditional finance. She has deep experience in strategic planning, financial turnarounds, and maximizing operational efficiencies. She has spearheaded major initiatives, including optimizing real estate portfolios for cost savings, restructuring sales teams for improved profitability, and managing complex restricted funds for redevelopment and nonprofit organizations. Her leadership has consistently delivered bottom-line growth, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and fostered cultures of innovation and engagement.
A passionate advocate for the arts, Michelle served as Interim Finance and Operations Manager at the Morean Arts Center, where she applied her financial acumen in a creative and community-driven environment. Her past work with the American Humane Association—where she ensured the ethical treatment of animals on film sets—further reflects her commitment to mission-driven organizations.
Michelle’s career also includes a deep-rooted connection to New Orleans, a city she considers home in her heart. Before Hurricane Katrina, she worked at WWL Radio, where she gained invaluable experience in the media industry while immersing herself in the city’s vibrant culture. Her time in New Orleans shaped her leadership approach—resilient, community-focused, and always driven by purpose.
She is an active member of the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg and continues to be deeply engaged in fostering strong, mission-oriented organizations that drive impact and success.