Michelle Riley has been very active in New Canaan organizations for more than ten years.  She currently sits on the board of the New Canaan Library and the New Canaan Land Trust and is a past board president of New Canaan CARES. She has chaired various events and committees at St. Luke’s School, the New Canaan Public Schools, National Charity League, Service League of Boys and the Boy Scouts of America. As a board member at the Community Foundation, she serves as a team lead for the community grant review and sits on the Sapienza Scholarship, events and development committees.  She chaired the Spirit of New Canaan spring luncheon in 2018.  

Michelle earned both a Masters and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught high school English and Social Studies in Pennsylvania and California before relocating abroad.  Following their years in England and Switzerland, Michelle, her husband Rich and their four children returned to the United States and settled into New Canaan where they have called home since 2012.  Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, playing tennis and paddle and is on the alumni board of the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education.  She is a member of St Aloysius Church, Woodway Country Club and the New Canaan Field Club and is a substitute teacher for NCPS and St Lukes.  She cares deeply about her community and is proud of the tremendous impact that the Foundation has in supporting our incredible local non profits that enhance the quality of life for so many.