About Conference Resources Presenters FAQ Presenters Plenary Speakers Deborah Aubert Thomas Philanthropy Ohio Deborah Aubert Thomas Philanthropy Ohio President & CEO Deborah Aubert Thomas serves as the president and CEO of Philanthropy Ohio and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from over 28 years in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. She is committed to leading and equipping Ohio philanthropy to be effective, powerful change agents in their communities. Deborah previously served as vice president, programs and learning and provided vision and oversight for all Philanthropy Ohio educational programs. She has also served as director of grants and programs at the Princeton Area Community Foundation and has experience coordinating a diversity internship program for Women & Philanthropy; developing the National Girls Inc. Media Literacy after-school program; and coordinating the Leadership Scholars program at the Institute for Women’s Leadership, Rutgers University. Deborah serves on the board of directors for Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and previously on the board of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. She holds a Master of Arts from the Steinhardt School of Education, New York University and a Master of Science from the Milano Graduate School, New School University. Justin Bibb City of Cleveland Justin Bibb City of Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb is the 58th Mayor of Cleveland working to improve public safety, invest in neighborhoods and modernize City Hall. On January 3, 2022, Mayor Bibb took the oath of office as the city’s first millennial mayor. Mayor Bibb was born and raised on Cleveland’s southeast side in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. Over the past 15 years, Mayor Bibb has worked in government, business and the nonprofit sector as an executive and nonprofit leader. He started his career in public service working for President Obama when he was in the U.S. Senate and later at Cuyahoga County as a Special Assistant advising on education and economic development policies. He led the Global Cities Practice at global research firm Gallup, served as Vice President at KeyBank, and most recently as Chief Strategy Officer at Urbanova, a startup focused on improving cities. Mayor Bibb is a proud American University alumnus with an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies. He completed the General Course Programme with an emphasis in Social Policy and Economics from the London School of Economics and is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Law (JD). Mayor Bibb’s vision for Cleveland is to become a national model for city management, police reform, and neighborhood revitalization. Rebecca Brown Asmo Ohio Humanities Rebecca Brown Asmo Ohio Humanities Executive Director Rebecca Brown Asmo is the Executive Director of Ohio Humanities. She has a breadth of experience in the nonprofit sector, including a decade as Chief Executive Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio. Brown Asmo began her career in the public humanities in 2002 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., after graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in Art History. An adopted Ohioan since 2004, she has also worked in development for the Ohio History Connection and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio. She has participated in several of Harvard Business School’s Executive Education programs and is a 2018 alum of Linkage’s Global Institute for Leadership Development (GILD). Kristen Cambell PACE - Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement Kristen Cambell PACE - Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement Executive Director Kristen Cambell is CEO of PACE (Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement), a philanthropic laboratory for funders seeking to maximize their impact on U.S. democracy and civic life. She has served in this capacity since July 2015. Previously, Kristen was an independent consultant, focusing primarily in civic engagement, education, and leadership. She was Chief Program Officer for the National Conference on Citizenship, where she served for 6 years, and prior to that, was a member of the social investment team at the Case Foundation. She launched her career in the nonprofit sector with a year of national service as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Points of Light Foundation. Kristen serves on the boards of the United Philanthropy Forum and Citizen University and sits on the working group of the Philanthropy Initiative at the Smithsonian Institution. Kristen's hometown is Norman, Oklahoma, and she is a graduate of East Central University in Ada. She currently resides in the Washington, DC area. Grace Chiang Nicolette Center for Effective Philanthropy Grace Chiang Nicolette Center for Effective Philanthropy Vice President, Programming and External Relations Grace Chiang Nicolette, Vice President of Programming and External Relations, oversees the organization’s partnerships, outreach efforts, fundraising, communications, and innovative programming. She is a co-host with CEP’s President Phil Buchanan of the widely acclaimed Giving Done Right podcast. Grace was formerly a client lead on CEP’s Assessment team, where she led the marketing, creation, and presentation of CEP’s benchmarking assessments for individual foundations. She is a frequent speaker to foundation staff and boards on topics of philanthropic effectiveness and philanthropy in China. Prior to joining CEP, Grace co-founded a philanthropy advisory firm in Shanghai that identifies investments in high-potential nonprofits and social enterprises in China. She was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2011. Grace has an executive education certificate from Harvard’s Kennedy School in Global Leadership and Public Policy and graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania as a Benjamin Franklin Scholar. She resides with her husband and two children in Cambridge, and they are active members of their church. Sharon L. Davies Kettering Foundation Sharon L. Davies Kettering Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Sharon Davies is the president and CEO of the Kettering Foundation. Davies’ career experiences span both academic and non-academic fields. From 2017-2021, Davies was provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Spelman College. She joined Spelman from The Ohio State University, where she was vice provost for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer. Davies was also a member of OSU’s Moritz College of Law faculty for 22 years, serving as the Gregory H. Williams Chair in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. In addition, Davies directed the university’s Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race & Ethnicity, an interdisciplinary engaged research institute known nationally for its work in social justice, equity, and inclusion. She also held an appointment to the Ohio Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Davies was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and a Notes and Comments Editor of the Columbia Law Review while in law school at Columbia University. After graduation, she worked for Steptoe and Johnson in Washington, DC and Lord, Day & Lord Barrett Smith in New York City. She served for five years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York. Davies was the recipient of a YWCA Woman of Achievement award from the YWCA Columbus chapter (2015); the Robert M. Duncan Award by the Columbus Chapter of the American Constitution Society (April 2014) in recognition of her contributions to democracy, fostering legal education, ensuring access to justice, and preserving individual rights and the rule of law; and the Liberty Bell Award from the Columbus Bar Association (June 2013). Davies’ articles and other writings have been published in some of the nation’s leading law journals, including the Duke Law Journal, the Southern California Law Review, the Columbia Law Review, the Michigan Law Review, and Law and Contemporary Problems. In 2010, Oxford University Press published Davies’s narrative nonfiction account of a 1921 murder trial in Birmingham, Alabama, titled Rising Road: A True Tale of Love, Race, and Religion in America, for which the Mayor of Birmingham presented her with a “Key to the City.” Davies has an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a law degree from Columbia University School of Law. Dan Moulthrop The City Club of Cleveland Dan Moulthrop The City Club of Cleveland CEO Dan Moulthrop is CEO of The City Club of Cleveland, one of the nation's great free speech forums. Founded in 1912, The City Club convenes more than 100 programs every year on just about every issue and topic of importance to Northeast Ohio. He joined the City Club in 2013. Prior to that he was co-founder of The Civic Commons, a Knight Foundation project creating a social media environment designed for civil civic dialogue. He was the award winning host of Sound of Ideas as part of the team at Ideastream Public Media. A former public high school English teacher, Dan serves on the board of the Teach for America in Greater Cleveland and on the advisory board of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Center for the Humanities at Cuyahoga Community College. He also serves as President of the board of the Ohio Debate Commission and Borderlight, Cleveland’s International Theatre Festival. He was a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2014 and a 2019 Marshall Memorial Fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Dan is also co-author, with Dave Eggers and Ninive Calegari, of the best-selling book Teachers Have it Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America's Teachers (The New Press, 2005), which provided the basis for the 2010 documentary "American Teacher." He was also co-editor, with RA Washington of A Race Anthology: Dispatches and Artifacts from a Segregated City (2016). Dan is a frequent moderator of public conversations and has appeared on stages across the country, including the Aspen Ideas Festival and the Commonwealth Club of California. He received both his BA in English Literature and a Master’s of Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. He lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio, with his wife and three children. john a. powell Othering & Belonging Institute john a. powell Othering & Belonging Institute Director john a. powell is Director of the Othering and Belonging Institute and Professor of Law, African American, and Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. He was previously the Executive Director at the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at the Ohio State University, and prior to that, the founder and director of the Institute for Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota. john formerly served as the National Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He is a co-founder of the Poverty & Race Research Action Council and serves on the boards of several national and international organizations. john led the development of an “opportunity-based” model that connects affordable housing to education, health, health care, and employment and is well-known for his work developing the frameworks of “targeted universalism” and “othering and belonging” to effect equity-based interventions. john has taught at numerous law schools including Harvard and Columbia University. His latest book is Racing to Justice: Transforming our Concepts of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society. Timothy Tramble Saint Luke's Foundation Timothy Tramble Saint Luke's Foundation President and CEO Tim became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Luke's Foundation on June 1, 2020. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing and guiding the work of the foundation to advance the pursuit of health equity in the Saint Luke's neighborhoods and throughout Cuyahoga County. Tim leads, directs, and coordinates the activities of the foundation in accordance with the policies, goals, and objectives established by the Board of Trustees and articulated through the foundation's strategic plan. Before joining the foundation, Tim served as a highly regarded leader in the field of community development. While forging the growth of Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. (BBC), Tim oversaw multimillion-dollar real estate development projects in Cleveland's poorest neighborhoods, founded WOVU 95.9FM Community Radio Station, and led the creation of BoxSpot micro-enterprise development in addition to many other innovative community revitalization programs and projects. Before joining BBC, Tim spent five years in various roles at the Cleveland Department of Public Health. Tim earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Cleveland State University where he also earned his graduate certification in Non-profit Management. His Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science was obtained from Central State University and he is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council. Tim is a proud graduate of East High, a closed school of the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD). Tim was born and raised in the Hough neighborhood of Cleveland and resides in the Fairfax neighborhood of Cleveland with his wife Latrice and daughter Tierra. Kelley Adcock Interact for Health Kelley Adcock Interact for Health Senior Director of Data & Learning Kelley Adcock leads data, evaluation and learning efforts at Interact for Health. She oversees our approach to measuring and learning from progress toward advancing our mission and strategic priorities. Previously, Kelley served as the lead evaluator on Interact for Health’s active living, mental and emotional well-being, and tobacco use priorities. Prior to Interact for Health, Kelley worked for the Children’s Hospitals’ Solutions for Patient Safety at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as well as at the Washington, D.C.-based global health nonprofit PATH and the American Bar Association’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence. Kelley holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Xavier University. Dale Anglin Dale Anglin Vice President of Proactive Grantmaking Dale Anglin Cleveland Foundation Vice President, Program Visit Website Dale Robinson Anglin was promoted in March 2021 to Vice President for Program of the Cleveland Foundation, the nation’s first community foundation. Since March 2020, Dale had led the Greater Cleveland COVID19 Rapid Response Fund, working with wide range of funders to support pandemic relief and recovery. Dale originally joined the Cleveland Foundation in October 2017 as the Program Director for Youth, Health and Human Services, where her portfolio included: out-of-school time (including STEAM) programming, Say Yes to Education, youth violence prevention, faith based initiatives, special needs and general health care and social services. Loren Anthes The Center for Community Solutions Loren Anthes The Center for Community Solutions Senior Fellow/William C. and Elizabeth M. Treuhaft Chair for Health Planning Loren Anthes, MBA, serves as the William C. and Elizabeth M. Treuhaft Chair in Health Planning and leads Community Solutions’ Center for Medicaid Policy. Anthes has significant public and private sector experience and has worked extensively with both legislative and executive branches of local, state and federal governments. He also holds board and committee positions with the May Dugan Center, Magnolia Clubhouse and Better Health Partnership and is a lecturer at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in quality improvement and health systems science. Anthes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Ohio University and a Health Care Master of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace University Carrie Arblaster Philanthropy Ohio Carrie Arblaster Philanthropy Ohio Vice President, Public Policy Alan Ashby Cleveland Foundation Alan Ashby Cleveland Foundation Media Relations Officer Alan Ashby joined the Cleveland Foundation in April 2017 and is primarily focused on increasing awareness about the foundation’s innovative work and impact in Cleveland with the organization’s donors and grantee partners through various media channels at the local, regional and national levels. Alan has more than 20 years of marketing and media relations experience. Most recently, he served as an account supervisor at WhiteSpace Creative, where he managed the strategic marketing initiatives for a diverse portfolio of nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Prior to WhiteSpace, Alan spent nearly five years at Kent State University as Assistant Athletic Director for Communications, overseeing the athletic department’s media relations strategy, and eight years at Cleveland State University, where he was responsible for a number of athletic media relations initiatives. Alan earned his bachelor of arts in history from the University of Virginia and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. Greg Bennett Byers, Minton & Associates Greg Bennett Byers, Minton & Associates Partner Greg has experience in both the state legislature and non-profit sector. A graduate of the University of Akron’s Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, Greg began his career in state policy at a non-profit organization educating General Assembly candidates on energy and public utility issues. Greg was then selected as a member of the esteemed Legislative Service Commission Fellowship and quickly became Senator Troy Balderson’s legislative aide. Having worked on an array of issues dealing with Energy, Public Utilities, Transportation, and Workforce Development, Greg brings valuable knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes to BMA’s clientele. Michelle Blackford Cleveland Foundation Michelle Blackford Cleveland Foundation Philanthropic Advisor At the Cleveland Foundation, Michelle Blackford, CFRE, serves as a philanthropic advisor. Michelle holds a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eastern University. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Philanthropy Ohio, and Northern Ohio charitable gift planners Katie Brennan Katie Brennan Program Officer Katie Brennan serves as Program Officer for Education at the Cleveland Foundation. Joining foundation staff in 2016, Katie’s professional focus is K-12 and higher education, with an aim to increase equitable education opportunities for Cleveland youth, particularly through multi-sector systems change. In addition to her work at the Cleveland Foundation, throughout 2022 Katie has served as Project Manager on Loan to the CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, where she has worked on special projects related to career pathways and pandemic relief. Katie has previous experience teaching UK/Irish Studies in two local high schools and as an adjunct professor in Conflict Resolution & Peace studies at Cuyahoga Community College, drawing from her master’s in Conflict Transformation & Social Justice from Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. Katie serves on various boards and committees, including Philanthropy Ohio’s Education Initiative Steering Committee. Richard Brown The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Richard Brown The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Chief Financial Officer Richard Brown is a solutions-minded financial leader. His background as an association executive and experience in nonprofit and education help the Foundation innovate processes and continue upholding the integrity of our Foundation’s finance team. Richard graduated from the University of Alabama and received his Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Florida State University and MBA from Mississippi State University. His career path has four years as a high school music teacher, two years in management of a performing arts center and nine years managing multiple not-for-profit organizations as an association management professional. Richard is a Certified Association Executive and Certified Meeting Professional. He has a certificate in diversity and inclusion in the workplace and has received numerous recognitions from the American and Florida Societies of Association Executives. Richard and his wife Emily live in Perrysburg with their daughter, Camille. W. Quincy Brown Fund Evaluation Group, LLC W. Quincy Brown Fund Evaluation Group, LLC Senior Vice President, Advisor In his current role, Quincy works with FEG’s foundation clients on the management of their long-term investment portfolios. He has been a FEG team member since 1999. Quincy co-chairs FEG’s DEI Committee, an internal committee that strives to ensure that FEG is an inclusive environment. He also serves on FEG’s Diverse Manager Committee, which is a team established to promote historically underrepresented groups in asset management and assist clients with implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their portfolios. Additionally, Quincy serves on FEG’s Responsive Investing Committee, which provides thought leadership on how to align investments with an organization’s missions and values. Larry Carone Clearstead Larry Carone Clearstead Managing Director Larry joined Clearstead, Institutional Consulting Group in 2019. As a Managing Director, he provides strategic advice to both prospective and current foundation, endowment, healthcare, public, and defined contribution plan clients. Larry has over 20 years of experience working with institutional investment portfolios clients ranging from $1million non-profits to a $900 billion sovereign wealth fund. Prior to joining Clearstead, Larry worked in business development for Fort Washington, relationship management with PNC Capital Advisors, and as an investment analyst for quantitative equity and fixed income strategies at Chicago Equity Partners. He holds a BSBA in Economics from The Ohio State University. Larry is a CFA Charter holder, member of the CFA Institute, and serves on the investment committee of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. Theresa Carter Synthomer Foundation Theresa Carter Synthomer Foundation President Theresa Carter is President of the Synthomer Foundation (formerly OMNOVA Solutions), a $30 million endowment supporting local communities throughout Synthomer’s footprint within the United States. Her passion for bringing communities together and creating tomorrow’s leaders is reflected in her role in the Foundation, which in 2021 provided nearly $1.3 million in support to educational initiatives, civic investments, health and human services, and the arts. Theresa’s purpose-driven mission is to inspire volunteerism and empower others to give back to the community. She is active in her church, and serves on a number of non-profit community boards, advisory councils and committees, including the Greater Akron Chamber; The NAACP Akron Chapter; Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center; Cleveland State University Foundation board, and is an emeritus board member with the Akron Urban League. She is also a Park Commissioner for the Summit Metro Parks. She has been honored with many awards and recognitions for her service and commitment to the community, including the Akron Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Jr., Community Service Award; the H Peter Burg Leadership Awards through the Greater Akron Chamber, American Red Cross and Akron Public Schools; Leadership Akron’s Lieberth Award, and the Executive of the Year Award through the Akron/Canton Affiliate of NSME. Theresa was also a recipient of OMNOVA Solutions Chairman’s Award (the Company’s highest honor). A native of Demopolis, Alabama, Theresa graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Communications from the University of Alabama. She’s the proud mom of two adult daughters, and absolutely thrilled to be “Lovie” to her grandson! Lisa M. Chambers Tech Corps Ohio Lisa M. Chambers Tech Corps Ohio Director Lisa M. Chambers has more than 20 years of experience building cross-sector strategic alliances and developing nationally recognized and award-winning Computer Science (CS) and Information Technology (IT) programs for K12 students and teachers. Lisa joined TECH CORPS as the State Director of the Ohio chapter in 1999. In 2011, she was named the TECH CORPS National Executive Director. In this role, she is responsible for the overall impact of TECH CORPS in all the communities it serves. This includes leveraging the power of relationships and networks, and working across private, public and corporate sectors to advance the mission of the organization. Under her leadership, TECH CORPS has experienced significant increases in the number of students served, programs implemented, and revenue secured. Lisa’s work has been recognized and honored at the local, state and national levels. She was named a “Modern-day Technology Leader” by US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine and a “Technology Rising Star” by Women of Color magazine. She received the comSpark Tech Power Player award, was featured in Who’s Who in Black Columbus, and received the Technology Innovation Award in Nonprofit Service Delivery from TechColumbus, the 2021 Top-Rated Award from GreatNonprofits and the National Telecommunications Partnership Award from The SBC Foundation and Partners in Education. Lisa was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority Board, serves on the State Committee on Computer Science, Franklin University’s, Center for Public Safety & Cybersecurity Education Advisory Board and is a member of the National Center for Women and Information Technology, K12 Alliance. Lisa is a graduate of The Ohio State University. John Church Glenmede Trust Company, NA John Church Glenmede Trust Company, NA Director, Endowment & Foundation Impact Portfolio Management John Church, CFA, is Glenmede’s Director of Endowment and Foundation Impact Portfolio Management. In this role, he provides investment advice and portfolio management for endowment, foundation and not-for-profit clients, particularly those with impact-aligned mandates. He is responsible for portfolio construction, sourcing impact-aligned investment strategies and implementing new technologies and best practices to help E&F clients achieve their mission. Ryan Collins Buckeye Hills Regional Council Ryan Collins Buckeye Hills Regional Council Broadband Coordinator Ryan Collins is the Broadband Coordinator for Buckeye Hills Regional Council, a council of governments that serves Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington counties in Southeast Ohio. Since starting with Buckeye Hills in August of 2021, he has continued building on the work the council began more than a decade ago to bridge the digital divide. With a focus on the human side of broadband through advocacy, education, and collaboration, Ryan is passionate about ensuring the residents of Southeast Ohio, the entire state of Ohio, and the country as a whole have equitable access to the internet and the opportunities and quality of life it provides Megan Cooper Learn to Earn Dayton Megan Cooper Learn to Earn Dayton Development Director Megan Cooper is new to the Learn to Earn Dayton team, joining in 2022 as Development Director. She first became passionate about fundraising as part of an all-volunteer organization when it was determined that the communication person could be called on to draft donation requests. Since then, she has honed her skills, receiving her master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Communication with a focus on Public Administration from the University of Dayton and earning her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential. Prior to LtED, Megan was the Development Manager for Dayton Metro Library, Executive Director for Film Dayton, and Development Specialist at Eastway Behavioral Healthcare. Relying on experiences from past customer service jobs, she brings a focus on communication, storytelling, stewardship, and “getting to yes” to every role. She is especially proud of the teambuilding and strategic community partnerships developed in the midst of the pandemic to raise funds for new programs that served immediate needs and supported the Dayton region. Megan is a graduate of Leadership Dayton, and currently serves on the Board of Governors as the recruitment chair. She and her husband live in a historic district in downtown Dayton, where they enjoy the bike paths, craft breweries, and the urban vibrancy. Danielle Crawford Deaconess Foundation Danielle Crawford Deaconess Foundation Program Leader Ms. Crawford serves as the Director of Learning and Evaluation at United Way Greater Cleveland. In her current role, Ms. Crawford provides oversight for Evaluation and Learning in the Community Investment department. She is responsible for oversight of activities including data management and collection, measurement, and evaluation; monitoring outcomes, reporting and training, both internally and externally; and grants and sustainability. Additionally, Ms. Crawford oversees the creation facilitation and management of United Way’s Center for Excellence in Social Services. Towards this end, The Center for Excellence in Social Services activates a space to connect and learn with and from one another while allowing for collaboration within the nonprofit ecosystem. Our goal moving forward will be to engage with United Way funded nonprofits through emergent evaluation on specific topics to support organizational capacity. United Way commits to focusing on equity, taking a focused approach, and supporting nonprofit connectivity to help nonprofits develop their capacity. Ms. Crawford coordinates trainings, workshops, and facilitates consistent engagement of grantee and nonprofit partners, donors, and other stakeholders. Prior to serving as the Director of Evaluation and Learning, Ms. Crawford served as an associate director in Community Investments. She has served in an array of capacities in philanthropy including Foundations, coalitions, and philanthropic intermediaries in New York City and Detroit, Michigan. She resides in Euclid, OH, and enjoys traveling and music. Brenda Cummins Cleveland Foundation Brenda Cummins Cleveland Foundation Interim Director, Philanthropic Services Brenda Cummins joined the foundation in 2015 and works with donors and organizations to help them plan and achieve their philanthropic objectives. Brenda brings senior level development experience from her previous role as director of Foundation Administration and Community Engagement at Summa Health System. In her role, she advanced Summa’s priorities through philanthropy and connected the greater community to the work of the organization. Prior work includes her position as a development officer at the Akron Civic Theatre, where she was responsible for all aspects of fundraising for the 1920’s atmospheric theatre. Through her first career path as an Audiologist and her community volunteer work in social services, healthcare and the arts, her strength is connecting people to organizations that make an impact in the lives of our greater community. Brenda serves on the boards of several non-profits, including Greenleaf Family Center, 91.3 The Summit - WAPS, and Summit ArtSpace. She is a graduate of Leadership Akron, Class 2007. She serves on the American Heart Association Go Red for Women committee, and has volunteered with the Summa Medical Team for the Akron Marathon. She holds a master’s degree in Audiology from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing from Bowling Green State University. Nick De Leon Metro West Community Development Organization Nick De Leon Metro West Community Development Organization Economic Development Director Nick De León joined Metro West CDO in 2021. Nick has a diverse professional background which includes retail management, sales, public safety and economic/community development experience. He currently holds the position of Economic Development Director. In this role, he facilitates community planning initiatives by identifying and utilizing programs necessary to secure community and economic development opportunities. His work includes overseeing various business support programming, developing economic growth strategies, fund development, event coordination, establishing stakeholder partnerships and community engagement. Aside from his professional experiences, Nick was active in Cleveland’s growing arts scene through the Urban Renaissance Collective, where he performed, hosted, and facilitated art shows, poetry open mics, and other creative performances. In addition, Nick earned his BA in Economic Development / Regional Planning from Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. Mark Dessauer Spitfire Strategies Mark Dessauer Spitfire Strategies Senior Vice President Originally from Cincinnati, Mark has worked for the last 25 years on creating change in think tanks, US embassy in Switzerland, state government, university, nonprofit and foundations. From community solutions to childhood obesity across the country to statewide early childhood and oral health campaigns, Mark’s communication work has focused on improving the health and well-being of hundreds of communities. Over the past six years at Spitfire, Mark has worked with early childhood advocates to develop a messaging framework and trainings for Adverse Childhood Experiences on behalf of the Kresge and Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, provided communication counsel and training to RWJF communities working to Mobilizing Action for Resilient Communities (MARC) and established a national nonprofit strategic communication training program for JP Morgan Chase’s Office of Nonprofit Engagement in 40 cities across the country. Through this work, Mark has partnered with over 1200 community development, workforce improvement, affordable housing advocates to build their own strategic communication plan, targeted messaging and develop powerful stories to help them achieve their overall goals. Prior to coming to Spitfire Strategies, Mark was Director of Communications for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. In his role with the foundation he worked to integrate communications as a part of their capacity support for grantees. Mark was responsible for developing and implementing the communications strategies, media relations and internal communications to support the Foundation’s initiatives and grantees from healthy food systems to oral health and access to care. Mark first encountered Spitfire Strategies in 2003 as Communication Director for Active Living By Design, a RWJF national program to create healthier communities. Mark earned a B.A. in mass communications with a minor in German and film studies at Miami University, and a master’s in international communications at American University with a concentration on cross cultural studies. Mark is committed to community change outside of the day job and works to make Durham more walkable, bikeable and healthier for all residents. Mark enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring nature and the food system with his family and dogs. In his spare time Mark is working on more being and less doing. Eric DeWald Eric DeWald President Eric DeWald joined the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) in January 2016 as President of the HealthPath Foundation (a supporting organization to GCF) and served as Secretary of the Board. He oversees the Public Health Fund of Ohio, Oral Health Ohio and other foundation initiatives funded by government, and national and state private foundation sources. Prior to leading HealthPath, Eric served for 16 years as the founding President and CEO of the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation in Pennsylvania. He was also the Executive Director of AllOne Foundation in Wilkes-Barre; Program Manager for the Center for Schools and Communities; and Program Coordinator at the Center for Juvenile Justice. Eric holds a BA from Eastern University and an MPA from Penn State University, School of Public Affairs. Christina Drake Fund Evaluation Group, LLC Christina Drake Fund Evaluation Group, LLC Vice President, Advisor In her current role, Christina works with FEG’s foundation clients on the management of their long-term investment portfolios. She has been a FEG team member since 2016 and an investment professional since 2009. Christina helps lead FEG’s Diverse Manager Committee, which is a team established to promote historically underrepresented groups in asset management and asset clients by implementing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their portfolios. She also serves on FEG’s DEI Committee, which strives to ensure that FEG is an inclusive environment. Before joining FEG, Christina was an Associate Client Advisor with Bridgewater Associates. She has also served as an undergraduate mentor at Xavier University and a Development Committee Member for Women Helping Women. Christina earned a BS in Marketing and a BA in Communication Studies from Butler University. Brant Duda Strategy Design Partners Brant Duda Strategy Design Partners Director of Straggy & Analysis Brant Duda is the director of strategy and analysis for SDP and brings over six years of expertise in strategic planning, financial analysis, nonprofit governance and board development, and research. From helping to transform the social service system in Columbia, South Carolina to manage a coalition combating the opioid epidemic in Lorain County, Ohio to forming the first Center for the Arts in Oberlin, Ohio, Brant has worked on large-scale projects and with organizations that impact entire communities. Brant has a master's of social administration and a certificate in nonprofit management from Case Western Reserve University. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania. Leslie Dunford Cleveland Foundation Leslie Dunford Cleveland Foundation Vice President for Building Operations & Guest Services; Executive Director, Suite 1300 Services, Inc. Leslie Dunford manages the foundation's facilities, office services, and risk-management programs, and serves as the executive director of Suite 1300 Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Cleveland Foundation that provides support services to the foundation’s resident-led, community-building program. From 1997 through 2014, Leslie also served as the foundation's corporate secretary and liaison to its board of directors and legal counsel, advising on matters of regulatory compliance and governance. Leslie was a key member of the leadership team that designed and implemented many of the Cleveland Foundation’s centennial projects in 2014. A graduate of Cleveland Bridge Builders and Leadership Cleveland, Leslie is current chairperson of the board of Philanthropy Ohio, a statewide membership association that provides the network, tools and knowledge to help people engaged in philanthropy become more effective, powerful change agents in their communities. She is a former trustee and officer of both Vocational Guidance Services and the Cleveland Leadership Center. Leslie is an honorary life trustee of Youth Opportunities Unlimited and a past recipient of the YWCA’s Women of Professional Excellence award. From 2005 through 2011, Leslie served as a standards reviewer for the Community Foundations National Standards Board, a program of the Council on Foundations. She has a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource. Leslie earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Gannon University in Pennsylvania. Camille Gill Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Camille Gill Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Programs and Grants Counsel Camille R. Gill is the Programs and Grants Counsel for the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation. She is responsible for the oversight of the Foundation’s grants management, as well as the assessment of grantees. At the Foundation, she works on projects related to access to justice issues, including racial justice, equity, and inclusion. She collaborates with expert consultants hired by the Foundation to support grantees in the areas of community economic development and in improving technology processes. Additionally, she leads the Foundation’s Justice for All Fellowship programs for new attorneys and summer law clerks. She has devoted her career to nonprofit legal services, having previously served as Associate Director of Immigration Legal Services at Catholic Charities in Cleveland, Ohio, and a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, practicing in the areas of immigration, tax, barriers to employment, domestic relations, and public benefits. She graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law and received her bachelor’s in International Relations and a minor in Spanish from the University of Cincinnati. She is a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), The Columbus Bar Association, and the Ohio State Bar Association. She is an active member of Philanthropy Ohio and Peak Grantmaking. She also serves as the Legal Advisor to the Cuyahoga County Immigration Legal Services Fund and serves as a representative of the Diocese of Cleveland’s Welcoming the Stranger Committee for the Diocese’s Immigrant Assistance Fund, both of which provide funding to support immigrant communities in Northeast Ohio. Tom Gill Urban Community School Tom Gill Urban Community School President Tom Gill is the President of Urban Community School in Cleveland, Ohio. Gill has served UCS since 2010, as the Development Director (2010-2012), Chief Operating and Development Officer (2012-2015), and Associate Director (2015-2017). He became President in July 2017. During Gill’s time at Urban Community School, the school has grown from 430 to nearly 800 students, and along the way has forged many partnerships to benefit UCS students and families. The UCS campus is home to MetroHealth’s Ohio City Health Center that currently serves 100,000 patient visits annually. The building also includes a Legal Aid office, Foodbank Pharmacy, and a WIC office while offering primary care and behavioral health services to UCS students, families, and the surrounding community. The UCS campus is also home to The Gallagher Family Early Education Center which serves 120 infants, toddlers, and preschool children year-round. In 2017, USA Lacrosse out of Baltimore chose UCS as a site for its “Lacrosse Communities Project,” building a youth-sized field at the school that offers lacrosse programming in collaboration with Cleveland State University and Near West Recreation. In 2018, Gill also helped drive a partnership with Urban Squash Cleveland which opened a Youth Development Center on the UCS campus. Urban Squash Cleveland is part of a national network of youth squash programs called Squash and Education Alliance. Along with the many other partnerships of UCS, Gill has spearheaded critical collaborations with Facing History and Ourselves and The Refugee Response. Each of the organization's headquarters are now on campus and opened in the spring of 2022. The UCS campus also includes two House of Champions homes, which is an after school program offering youth high-quality programming, meals, homework support, and recreation until 8:00 pm Monday-Friday. Previously, Gill was a Cleveland Executive Fellow at the Cleveland Leadership Center where he went through four rotations including Cleveland Metropolitan School District, The Cleveland Indians, Cuyahoga County Land Bank, and St. Martin de Porres High School. He also served as a Community Coordinator for the Casa de la Solidaridad at the Jesuit University of Central America in San Salvador, El Salvador from 2005-2007. In addition to his work at the school, Gill also chaired the Board of Neighborhood Family Practice, a federally qualified health center, and currently serves on The Refugee Response Board of Trustees, Beaumont School, and two committees of The Greater Cleveland Foodbank. Keisha Gonzalez Cleveland Foundation Keisha Gonzalez Cleveland Foundation Program Officer, Neighborhood Revitalization & Engagement Keisha González joined the Cleveland Foundation in June 2018 as the Program Officer for Community Revitalization and Engagement. In her current role, Keisha is responsible for supporting the foundation's Social Impact Investing initiatives through the management of both current and future investment opportunities that will lead to equitable economic growth. She works in collaboration with colleagues to position the foundation’s strategy for community development innovation, supporting efforts to strengthen the sector’s capacity and appetite for innovative risk. Prior to joining the foundation, Keisha served as the Managing Director for Metro West Community Development Organization. In this capacity, she implemented the organization’s strategic plan, management of programs and operations, and cultivated productive relationships in the public, private and civic sector. During her career at Metro West, Keisha also held the positions of Community Organizer (2014) and Director of Economic Development (2016). In these capacities, she focused on community-building initiatives designed to improve conditions in the neighborhood through the involvement of residents, businesses and community institutions. Keisha earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Cleveland State University and went on to earn her Master of Arts in Historic Preservation from the University of Delaware. During her time at the University of Delaware she worked for the Mid-Atlantic Historic Buildings and Landscape Survey at the Centre for Historic Architecture and Design documenting at-risk historic dwellings, infrastructure and landscapes for local and state governments. Committed to the equitable placemaking, Keisha has worked on many key projects in the cities where she has lived. Locally, Keisha was a part of the executive steering committee that launched La Placita and has elevated the La Villa Hispana as a priority placemaking initiative for the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. On the east coast, she worked on the Delaware City Oral History Project, a campaign designed to digitally document local recollections pertaining specifically to the history of the natural areas surrounding Delaware City, Delaware. Eric Gordon Cleveland Metropolitan School District Eric Gordon Cleveland Metropolitan School District CEO Eric Gordon was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in June 2011 after serving as the district’s Chief Academic Officer for four years. He is responsible for the leadership and daily management of Cleveland’s 35,600 student school district. In July 2012, Mr. Gordon led a citywide coalition to develop Cleveland’s Plan for Transforming Schools or The Cleveland Plan which has resulted in a dramatic improvement in academic performance over the last decade, including a 29-percentage point gain in graduation rates to a record 80.9%. Following years of decline in post-secondary enrollment for CMSD students despite the increasing graduation rates, Mr. Gordon then led a city-wide coalition in bringing Say Yes to Education to Cleveland that, for the next 25 years, will make CMSD students eligible for full-tuition scholarships upon graduation. After the launch of the Say Yes scholarships, CMSD saw its first increase in postsecondary education enrollment in five years, from 44 percent to 49 percent. Among his many awards, CEO Gordon received the Green-Garner Award of the Council of the Great City Schools in 2016, distinguishing him as the top Urban Educator of the Year, the highest national honor for an urban school superintendent. In addition to being named one of Cleveland Magazine’s Most Interesting People” early in his tenure as superintendent, Mr. Gordon’s active engagement in the Cleveland community has been noted with a number of community awards, including the Diversity Center of Cleveland’s Humanitarian Award, Inside Business Magazine’s Power 100 Award and Smart Business Magazine’s Top 50 Award, which honors the most successful executives in northeast Ohio, and most recently the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation’s Outstanding Ohio Superintendent Performance Award. Michael Graham Strategy Design Partners Michael Graham Strategy Design Partners Partner & Co-Owner Michael is a partner and co-owner of SDP with more than two decades of consulting experience. Michael’s practice centers on the nonprofit and public sectors, with areas of focus including strategic planning, organizational development, executive positioning, messaging & communications, and nonprofit governance & mergers. Prior to SDP, Michael served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Major Trial Unit. Outside SDP, Michael acts as chair for the City of Cleveland’s Civilian Police Review Board. He also serves on the board of directors for Hawken School. Michael earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from John Carroll University and later studied at Cleveland State University, completing a master’s in urban planning at Levin College and a JD at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Brady Groves Richland County Foundation Brady Groves Richland County Foundation President Brady became president of the Richland County Foundation in March 2011. Brady has more than 30 years’ experience in business development. A native of Mansfield, Brady earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University and earned a master’s degree in business administration from Ashland University. He serves as a member of the Philanthropy Ohio board. Lynanne Gutierrez Groundwork Ohio Lynanne Gutierrez Groundwork Ohio Chief Operating and Policy Officer As Chief Operating and Policy Officer, Lynanne provides organizational, financial and resource development, operations, human resource, and staff management leadership. Lynanne executes Groundwork Ohio’s strategic vision including the implementation of Groundwork’s policy agenda, priorities and strategies through effective external relations, communication, advocacy, and research. As she oversees the implementation of the organization’s policy agenda in consideration of policy expertise, family voice, stakeholder and coalition engagement, communication opportunities and Ohio’s political landscape, her work is focused on building a movement that prioritizes the needs of every young child in the state of Ohio. Lynanne has been an integral part of Groundwork’s growth over the last five years under the executive leadership of Shannon Jones, CEO & President of Groundwork Ohio. During her time at Groundwork, she has executed major organizational commitments including the Ohio Early Childhood Race & Rural Equity project, Groundwork’s coalition driven prenatal-to-three focused initiative and the planning process for the Center for Family Voice. Lynanne previously worked as a Policy Associate for Voices for Ohio Children. Prior to her advocacy work at Voices, Lynanne was in private law practice for five years. She specialized in child and family law, serving central Ohio’s children and families in crisis. It was during this time that it became clear to her that in order to best serve children and families, more emphasis must be placed on prevention and systemic change. Before becoming an attorney, Lynanne served as a Senior Legislative Aide in the Ohio Senate. Lynanne has a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a Juris Doctorate from Capital Law School. Lynanne lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and their two children, Gabe and Arlo. Raquel Gutierrez Blue Agave Partners Raquel Gutierrez Blue Agave Partners Founder & CEO Dr. Gutierrez serves as Principal of Blue Agave Partners. She lives her vocation by strengthening the life-time efforts of leaders working for inclusive and sustainable social transformation. She brings three decades of experience in working with foundations and nonprofits from across the United States. At her core, Raquel is an institutional organizer who partners with others who value personal transformation, continual learning, daily practice, and sustained wellness. She demonstrates a unique ability to create compassionate spaces for learning and building relationships rooted in the very essence of philanthropy— "love for humanity.” Most recently, Raquel served as the Director of Leadership and Learning at Hispanics in Philanthropy where she piloted an internal initiative to establish Hispanic in Philanthropy’s applied racial equity framework, supported a major transition in executive leadership, and refreshed and launched a national mid-career leadership development program for Latinx professionals in philanthropy and nonprofits. Raquel co-chairs the Arizona Grantmakers Forum on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion affinity group and serves as a Program Committee member. She is currently the primary chair for the Arizona Girl Scouts Cactus-Pine Executive Committee. Raquel is a board member of ProInspire, a national nonprofit that builds the competencies, confidence, and connections to accelerate equity and leadership in the social sector. In 2020, Raquel returned to consulting focused on creating experiences and practices rooted in racial equity for belonging through curating content and people, convenings of all sizes, and cultivating people and teams. Kathleen Hallissey Cleveland Foundation Kathleen Hallissey Cleveland Foundation Senior Director, Responsive Grantmaking Kathleen Hallissey is currently the Program Director for Leadership Development at the Cleveland Foundation where she has responsibility for its leadership programs including the Foundation’s summer internship program, the Public Service Fellowship program and the Encore Cleveland Initiative which focuses on tapping into the time, energy and talents of experienced Clevelanders to solve community challenges and fill unmet needs. She also oversees grantmaking and provides leadership in the aging and early learning sectors. She joined The Cleveland Foundation in August 2005 as a program officer, focusing on education and health, human services grants, and strengthening nonprofit organizations across Greater Cleveland. She was promoted to Director of Community Responsive Grantmaking where she worked with a team of program officers to align grantmaking with the needs of the community and the foundation’s priorities. Previously, Kathy served as a management consultant to the Head Start community working on special projects such as the grantee monitoring system, data analysis and the development of training and technical assistance materials. She served as a program analyst in the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, focusing on programs and policies impacting children, youth and families specifically Head Start and Early Head Start. She began her career in the federal government as a Presidential Management Fellow. This two-year program was designed to build excellence in the public sector. During her fellowship she completed key projects in legislative affairs, planning and evaluation, and program implementation. Kathy earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Drew University in New Jersey. She is a 2013 Leadership Cleveland graduate and a graduate of the YWCA Women’s Momentum program. Lauren Hansgen Dunham Tavern Museum Lauren Hansgen Dunham Tavern Museum Executive Director Lauren Hansgen has served as the Executive Director of Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens since 2018. With a background in art history and museum studies, she previously served as the Director of Cleveland Artists Foundation (now ARTneo) and Curator/Historian of the Cowan Pottery Museum at Rocky River Public Library. Her role at Dunham has allowed Hansgen to pursue her passion for local history and love of the outdoors, as well as presents a unique opportunity to use community engagement as a driver of a years-long master planning process. Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens seeks to become an inclusive place that inspires and enriches lives through history, nature, and community. Mark Hays Glenmede Trust Company, NA Mark Hays Glenmede Trust Company, NA Director of Sustainable & Impact Investing, Managing Director Mark Hays is Director of Sustainable & Impact Investing at Glenmede. In this role, he provides strategic leadership of Glenmede’s sustainable and impact investing efforts. Mark and his team are responsible for the development of new investment capabilities, the creation and delivery of innovative thought leadership, and the deepening of relationships with clients and industry partners. Adrienne Henize Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Adrienne Henize Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Program Manager, Child HeLP, Cincinnati Children’s Adrienne Henize, JD, manages partnerships between CCHMC’s primary care clinics and leading community organizations, including the Child Health-Law Partnership (Child HeLP), a nationally recognized medical-legal partnership with the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati. Her work focuses on building, implementing and sustaining collaborative partnerships and evaluating their impact on child health. Quality improvement methodology informs her work to increase family engagement, activation and connection to community resources, and to improve partner capacity to support families, both individually and on a systemic level. Adrienne also actively assists with resident physician education around issues related to social determinants of health and poverty. Beverly Horstman Braver Angels Beverly Horstman Braver Angels Co-Coordinator In 2018, Beverly joined Braver Angels as a member and became trained as a moderator. In 2019, Beverly accepted the volunteer Ohio State Coordinator with the national organization. This role provides her with the ability to combine her personal commitment and her educational degree with 40 years of business experience. She has organized over 35 workshops and assisted as a co-moderator. As State Coordinator, Beverly actively supports the five local Braver Angels Alliances working throughout Ohio. Joyce Huang City of Cleveland Joyce Huang City of Cleveland Director of Planning Joyce Pan Huang serves as the Director for the City of Cleveland’s City Planning Commission under Mayor Justin M. Bibb. In this capacity, Huang facilitates the development of the City’s long-range comprehensive plan, community-based neighborhood planning efforts, urban design and architectural review and regulatory practices such as zoning. She previously served as the Vice President of Community Development at MidTown Cleveland, Inc., an economic and community development organization for the City’s MidTown and AsiaTown neighborhoods. A transplant from the Rochester, NY area, Joyce has lived in the Cleveland area for 15 years including the Shaker Square, Ohio City and AsiaTown neighborhoods. As a 2nd generation Asian American, she fully embraces her bicultural identity, which has also shaped how she views city planning. Huang loves playground-hunting with her 3-year old daughter and husband, and she appreciates public art and well-designed and active public plazas and parks. Joyce holds a Master of Urban Planning, Design and Development from Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs and a B.S. in Sociology with a Minor in the Program in the Environment from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Kathy Justice Braver Angels Kathy Justice Braver Angels Moderator In 2019, Kathy joined Braver Angels as a member. She applied to become a Braver Angels moderator. Kathy has moderated numerous Braver Angels workshops both in-person and via Zoom. Kathy is also one of the Blue Co-Chairs for the Greater Cincinnati Braver Angels Alliance Group. Volunteering in both of these roles has allows her to use her prior business experience for her volunteer work. Prior to retiring, Kathy was Director of Speech-Language at The Christ Hospital. Ethan Karp MAGNET Ethan Karp MAGNET President and CEO Dr. Ethan Karp is an expert in transforming companies and communities. As President and CEO of the non-profit consulting group MAGNET, he has helped hundreds of manufacturing companies grow through technology, innovation, and talent. He is passionate about driving economic prosperity in his home region of Northeast Ohio. He’s a committed change-maker and community builder: Board Chair of the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Workforce Development, and serves as a Director on the boards of; the American Small Manufacturers Coalition, the Cleveland Leadership Center, MidTown Cleveland, Inc., Cleveland Jewish Publication Company and the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland. Dr. Karp is a recognized thought leader on manufacturing issues and a frequent media commentator on the future of manufacturing in America. Prior to joining MAGNET in 2013, Dr. Karp worked with Fortune 500 companies at McKinsey & Co. He received undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and physics from Miami University and a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology from Harvard University. Dr. Karp lives in Cleveland with his wife and three young girls. Dawn Knickerbocker Native Americans in Philanthropy Dawn Knickerbocker Native Americans in Philanthropy Vice President of Development & External Affairs Dawn Knickerbocker (Anishinaabe, White Earth Nation) began her career in grantmaking and philanthropy as a professional nonprofit consultant, grant writer, and project supporter. She worked as a grant-maker in Washington state when she designed and implemented Spokane Arts Grant Awards (SAGA). Dawn recently worked as the Director of Foundation Relations at Antioch College. She is currently the board president of the Greater Cincinnati Native American Coalition. Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Whitworth University, completed graduate work in social impact from Claremont Lincoln University, and a master’s in arts in human rights practice from the University of Arizona. Dawn is the former elected Chair of the Advisory Commission on Diversity for the most diverse city in the State of Washington, Renton from 2006-2010. She is a published nonfiction writer, poet, columnist, and speaker, and the 2020 Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award recipient. Dawn resides in Yellow Springs, Ohio with her husband and four sons. Lillian Kuri Cleveland Foundation Lillian Kuri Cleveland Foundation President & Chief Executive Officer As President and CEO, Lillian is leading the development of the foundation’s new strategic plan and the design execution, operations and community planning for the foundation’s move of its headquarters to MidTown/Hough, and she co-leads the foundation’s social impact investing strategy, a portfolio of investments including program related investments (PRIs) and recoverable grants. The Cleveland Foundation currently has a $34 million loan pool for PRIs. In 2019, the foundation announced a new goal of $150 million in social impact investments by 2022. Lillian joined the Cleveland Foundation in 2005 as a consultant to develop a comprehensive strategy for one of the foundation’s priority strategic initiatives: the revitalization of the Greater University Circle area, now one of the nation’s leading comprehensive anchor institution development strategies. This placed-based initiative places equity and sustainability at its core through the integration of cross-cutting issues such as transportation, mixed-use development, housing incentives, education, sustainability, community health, and economic inclusion. Lillian was one of the early founders of the Evergreen Cooperatives – a groundbreaking initiative to create community wealth through a connected group of worker-owned businesses in Greater University Circle. She officially joined the staff in 2007 as a Program Director and in 2016 was promoted to Vice President, Strategic Grantmaking, Arts & Urban Design, focusing her work on arts, culture and placemaking, including the foundation’s arts mastery initiatives, which bring year-round, rigorous, mastery-based programs in theater, music, and visual arts to over 3,000 underserved children annually. She also managed the foundation’s international residency program, Creative Fusion. Over the last several years, she has also played a key role in strengthening the foundation’s work in social impact and mission-related investing, economic and workforce development, and sustainability initiatives. Lillian has more than 20 years of experience as a nonprofit executive. Previously, she was the Executive Director of Cleveland Public Art and held positions as the manager for the City of Cleveland’s Citywide Plan as well as project coordinator for the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. As the Executive Director of Cleveland Public Art from 2000-2004, she was responsible for the implementation of over $4 million in projects over her 4-year tenure. Lillian holds a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University, as well as a Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State University. She is a licensed architect in the state of Ohio and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited professional. She currently serves as Chair of the Cleveland Planning Commission. Victor Leandry El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Inc. Victor Leandry El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Inc. Executive Director Mr. Leandry received his bachelor’s degree from The Catholic University of Puerto Rico and a master’s in social work from Cleveland State University. Mr. Leandry is the Executive Director of El Centro de Servicios Sociales in Lorain, Ohio. Currently a member of many boards including Mercy Health Hospital, Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition and OHIO Community Development Association. Mr. Leandry served as the Midwest Affiliate Representative for UnidosUS from 2007 to 2014 and served as the Chair of the Affiliate Council and UnidosUS Board of Directors from 2011-2014. Kimm Leininger Geauga Growth Partnership Kimm Leininger Geauga Growth Partnership President Kimm Leininger is a highly motivated nonprofit leader with exceptional skills in community building, strategic planning and relationship development. She currently serves as the President & CEO of the Geauga Growth Partnership, a private-public partnership committed to enhancing the economic climate in Geauga County. Previously, Kimm served as the Executive Director at United Way Services of Geauga County (16 years) and for as the Executive Director at WomenSafe (5 years). She also has previous experience as a hospital social worker and a case manager. In 2020, Kimm began a health journey that has resulted in a total transformation of her health as well as the spreading her own entrepreneurial wings by starting a coaching business to support others who are also seeking this change. Kimm has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University and a Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. She is also an alumnus of Leadership Geauga County, 2002. Throughout her career, Kimm has received several honors and distinctions, including Rotarian of the Year presented by the Rotary Club of Chardon, Geauga County Emerald Leader via Leadership Geauga, and Chardon Schools Superintendent Award to name a few. Kimm lives in Geauga County with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending her free time being active outdoors with her family, searching for beach glass, and continuing to cheer on her children in their current endeavors. Heather Lenz Sangfroid Strategy Heather Lenz Sangfroid Strategy CEO & Founder Heather Lenz founded Sangfroid Strategy, LLC in 2015 to support organizations in developing and implementing evidence-based strategies to amplify long-term impact. During the past 10 years, Heather has facilitated several local and state initiatives across governments, nonprofits, public-private partnerships, and cross-industry efforts. Heather’s approach draws on the intersection of design thinking, systems change, and organizational development through evaluation, strategy, and implementation. Heather’s passion lies in helping nonprofit organizations and teams deliver great programs and services that are practical to implement and include creative approaches to sustainability and growth. At Sangfroid Strategy, Heather helped to launch the Community Innovation Network, an applied arm of the Center for Urban Poverty and Community Development at Case Western focused on bridging the division between institutions and the people they serve. She’s helped to transform the education department of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum by aligning their free community educational programs with their budget and helping them to set and measure progress toward long-term outcomes. She worked with the City of Lakewood to facilitate the development of a framework to address the social determinants of health across the city; and with Zygote Press, Motogo, and Soulcraft CLE to identify revenue generation lines, streamline the sustainability and delivery of their community programming, and decide which programs to start, stop, and continue. Most recently, she facilitated the strategy for Phase II and III of Greater Cleveland’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund (GCCRRF), a collaboration between 80+ funders in Cleveland, and rebuilt United Way of Greater Cleveland’s funding framework to align with community needs and the funding priorities of their partners. In addition to her leadership of Sangfroid Strategy, Heather Lenz is an Adjunct Instructor with the Mandel School for Applied Social Sciences at Case Western for program evaluation and needs assessment, and actively volunteers. Heather Lenz received her Bachelor of Science in Human Communication + Sociology from Arizona State University in 2008, and her Master of Arts degree in Human-Environmental Studies + Nonprofit Leadership from Cleveland State in 2012. She has formal training and/or certification in racial equity and inclusion, Asset-Based Community Development, Appreciative Inquiry, Project Management, Technology for Nonprofits, Design Thinking for Social Change, and Design Thinking in Strategic Planning. Ricardo Leon Cuyahoga Land Bank Ricardo Leon Cuyahoga Land Bank Chief Operating Officer Mr. Leon serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Cuyahoga Land Bank. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master of Science in Urban Studies with a concentration in Economic Development from the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. Ricardo’s career has spanned the startup, corporate, and consulting industries prior to joining the nonprofit sector. He extends his leadership and community focus outside of the office through his participation on the MetroHealth Foundation Board of Directors, Fund for Our Economic Future Board of Directors, Front Steps Housing and Services Board of Directors, Neighborhood Family Practice Board of Directors, Hebrew Free Loan Association Board of Directors, CHN Housing Capital Advisory Board, and various other community-focused boards and committees. Su Lok Su Lok Su Lok Su Lok Principal As a community and philanthropic leader and communications strategist, Su works with a cross-section of public and private organizations to advance and engage communities at the national, regional and local level. Prior to forming Three Rivers East, Su had an extensive career in communications, community development and corporate social responsibility that included key positions with ScottsMiracle-Gro, AT&T, Lucent Technologies and Huntington Bank. Su is active in her community through volunteerism and board service, supporting a variety of missions and causes. She has been on the board of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens since 2009. During her time with the Conservatory, Su has served as Board President, and chaired the Marketing Committee and Development Committee. Su currently serves on the Mount Carmel Health System Board. Prior to this appointment, she was a long-time leader for 15 years on the Mount Carmel Foundation Board of Trustees, and served as board chair from 2013 - 2015. Since 2009, Su has supported the environmental protection efforts of Keep Ohio Beautiful as a board member. As chair of the group’s Board Development Committee, she has guided the efforts to create a diverse board that represents a variety of industries from across the state of Ohio. In 2018, Su joined the Philanthropy Ohio Board of Trustees, where she serves on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and Governance Committee. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Su earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, with a minor in Communications. Lamont Mackley JumpStart, Inc. Lamont Mackley JumpStart, Inc. Chief Inclusion & Outreach Officer Lamont is responsible for providing internal and external diversity and inclusion leadership and guidance, to help JumpStart reach our goals, better demonstrate our values and achieve our mission. Lamont brings extensive executive and management experience to the JumpStart team. Most recently, Lamont taught business and professional studies courses at Chancellor University and the Jack Welch Management Institute. He also founded Another Level Resources, an executive coaching and development firm specializing in facilitating solutions to problems for business executives. Prior to starting this most recent entrepreneurial venture, Lamont spent 25 years in the commercial and community development banking industry and served as President/CEO at three community banks in various locations within the United States. Lamont’s ability to create environments of high achievement led to his selection as leader of two entrepreneurial businesses; one in the transportation industry and the other in the distribution industry. This experience allowed him to see business needs from a different perspective and has provided him with insight into the challenges of managing an entrepreneurial enterprise. Lamont attended Boston University for his BS and Columbus School of Law, Catholic University, for his JD. Marcus Madison Cleveland Clinic Marcus Madison Cleveland Clinic Community Program Officer Marcus Madison is a community-driven individual with more than fifteen years of experience working in the non-profit sector, philanthropy, and local government. He is a compassionate professional with transformative leadership experience in building better neighborhoods and strengthening organizational systems. His efforts have led him to be elected to become President of the College Student Senate, a five-term City Councilmember, candidate for the Ohio State Senate, Co-Interim Director for a county-wide non-profit affiliate, and a member and working participant in many community organizations and initiatives focusing on engagement, capacity building, diversity, and inclusion. Marcus most recently served as Program Officer for the Community West Foundation. As a Program Officer, he supported the work of over 90 organizations focused on providing basic need services to people facing adversity. Basic needs include food, shelter, and physical and mental health care. He currently serves as a Community Outreach Program Manager for the Cleveland Clinic to further the hospital's efforts in building stronger and healthier communities. His personal and professional life experiences have enabled him to believe in the inherent goodness of people. Marcus enjoys working on issues to help drive and advance communities forward. He has been nationally recognized as one of our country's best and brightest progressive leaders. Marcus holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban and Regional Studies and Nonprofit Administration from Cleveland State University. He currently attends Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management as a Master of Science in Positive Organization Development & Change (MPOD) candidate. MPOD is the school's premier program for learning to manage systemic organizational change and transformation, leadership development, and team effectiveness. Beth P. Maiden Erie County Community Foundation Beth P. Maiden Erie County Community Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth, or “Beth”, has lead the Erie County Community Foundation as its Executive Director for over five years where she has been responsible for increasing the Foundation’s assets from $22m to over $42 million in addition to completing a $900,000 renovation project in 2018 for new offices for the Foundation and three nonprofit tenants along with a high-tech community meeting space. Beth and her staff have also taken on the task of developing the Huron County Community Foundation into an independent nonprofit organization. Prior to arriving in Erie County, Beth was the President/CEO of Leadership Lorain County and also served as Communications Officer for the Community Foundation of Lorain County in Elyria. A graduate of Heidelberg and Case Western Reserve Universities, Beth serves on the Board of Directors of the Sandusky State Theatre, on the Advisory Committee for the Erie County Business Advisory Council and is also a member of the Sandusky Rotary Club. She and her husband, Warren, reside in Amherst with their very spoiled and photogenic cat, Savannah. Shana Marbury Greater Cleveland Partnership Shana Marbury Greater Cleveland Partnership General Counsel / SVP, Talent Shana Marbury, Esq. is general counsel and senior vice president, talent for the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP). Shana oversees legal affairs for the GCP and several of its affiliated entities. She also is responsible for GCP’s efforts and initiatives related to its organizational strategic priority in talent, including building and partnering on ecosystem education and workforce development solutions for youth and adults that enable creation and maintenance of a robust, skilled talent pipeline for regional employers. She leads the talent team in driving post-secondary credential/degree completion, work-based learning and high-school career exposure strategies, with an emphasis on tech talent development, to catalyze business growth, attract companies to the region, and increase income for individuals. Prior to her employment at the GCP, Shana worked as a consultant in the areas of diversity and inclusion. She assisted in developing diversity training materials focused on interpersonal relationships among people of a variety of backgrounds, worldviews, customs and values in the 21st century workplace. Shana co-facilitated training where participants were introduced to core diversity concepts and developed competency in their application. Before consulting, Shana worked as a labor, employment and school law attorney in the Cleveland office of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, LLP (now Squire Patton Boggs). She counseled private- and public-sector employers, including public school districts and private schools, on staff, administrative and faculty labor and employment issues, concerns regarding state and federal civil rights laws and educational statutes, investigations, student discipline and other student-related issues. Matthew Martin The Columbus Foundation Matthew Martin The Columbus Foundation Director, Community Research Matt supports research initiatives to help inform investments that strengthen and improve the community. He also leads the foundation’s grantmaking in the areas of neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and digital equity, in addition to working with several supporting foundations. Ange Mastandrea Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless Ange Mastandrea Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless Street Outreach Coordinator Ange graduated from Cleveland State University with a B.A. in sociology and gender studies in 2020 and is currently pursuing a joint M.P.A./J.D. from their alma mater. They started their position as the Street Outreach Coordinator at the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) in June 2022, working to help those experiencing homelessness in the Greater Cleveland area get connected to vital housing resources while also advocating for the rights of unsheltered populations. Prior to starting at NEOCH, Ange worked as the Leadership Development Intern at the Cleveland Foundation, where they were involved with work centering on ageism and the importance of intergenerational connection, particularly in the Cleveland nonprofit and public service sectors. They look forward to extending their intergenerational knowledge and experience to their current work in housing and beyond, hoping to positively impact public policy upon graduating from graduate and law school in the future. Simone McNitt Encore Employment Enterprise Simone McNitt Encore Employment Enterprise Executive Director Simone McNitt is the founder and Executive Director of Encore Employment Enterprise, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists in placing experienced workers aged 50 and older in meaningful paid jobs with age-friendly employers in the Greater Cleveland community. She serves as a program co-chair of the Council on Older Persons, an advisory committee of the Center for Community Solutions; as Board Chair, CSHRM, for Talent Acquisition; and on the Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee for Art Therapy Studio Greater Cleveland. Simone is a Society of Human Resource Management certified professional and a certified Women Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise and Small Business Enterprise owner, mentors experienced professionals, providing guidance and tools to assist individuals in developing their marketable skills. In each of these ventures, she has dedicated herself to fostering age-inclusive workplaces. In 2021, she was named one of Crain's Notable Entrepreneurs. Jill Miller bi3 Jill Miller bi3 President & CEO An authentic executive and philanthropic leader inspiring and leading change in Greater Cincinnati Visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and relentless energy to follow through on any challenge. Leads with humility, trust and transparency to build collaborations and meaningful relationships with diverse individuals and partners. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Passionate about racial equity and creating diverse, equitable and inclusive cultures and communities. Experience building and leading diverse teams to achieve community impact. Strong business acumen with 20 years of experience in business, healthcare, nonprofits and philanthropy. Lila Mills Ohio Local News Initiative Lila Mills Ohio Local News Initiative Editor in Chief Lila Mills, editor-in-chief of the Ohio Local News Initiative's Cleveland newsroom, has been working in community and media for more than 20 years. She most recently spent almost 11 years with the nationally-recognized community building program Neighborhood Connections where her work ranged from editing a community newspaper to serving as associate director. Prior to that, Mills was an advisor at Cuyahoga Community College and a reporter at the Plain Dealer. Born and raised on the southeast side of Cleveland, Lila is a first-generation college graduate with degrees from Columbia University Steven Moore The Columbus Foundation Steven Moore The Columbus Foundation Chief of Staff As Chief of Staff, Steven supports the President and CEO to help grow, develop, scale and lead The Columbus Foundation. His principal duties include fostering collaboration and making decision-making processes more effective for the CEO and the leadership team. Patricia O'Brien The Stocker Foundation Patricia O'Brien The Stocker Foundation Executive Director Patricia O’Brien joined The Stocker Foundation in 1998 as a program officer and was appointed Executive Director 2001. For the past 21 years, Patty has led a diverse multi-generational family board through strategic planning, development of competitive grantmaking approaches and funding initiatives, as well as maintaining best-practice governance practices. Patty strives to preserve Donor Legacy, mission, vision, and values of The Stocker Foundation. In addition, she acts as a liaison between family members and the Foundation to encourage ongoing active involvement of four generations. Before joining The Stocker Foundation, Patty honed her nonprofit management and fund development skills while employed at The City Club of Cleveland and Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio (formerly Girl Scouts of Erie Shores). Patty is actively involved in Philanthropy Ohio, serving on the board as well as participating on the Education Advisory Committee, focused on critical areas to improve student achievement, early childhood learning, college and career-readiness, and college completion. Patty has served on the board of Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, serving as the board chair during a multi-million-dollar capital campaign to construct a 40,000-square-foot warehouse distribution facility. In addition, she was appointed to serve on the Lorain Academic Distress Commission by former Superintendent, Paolo DiMaria. In addition, Patty served as a founding board member and Board Chair of Oberlin Center for the Arts. Michael Ouimette American Journalism Project Michael Ouimette American Journalism Project Senior Vice President, Strategy & Startups Michael leads the Strategy & Startups team at the American Journalism Project, overseeing Local Philanthropic Partnerships, Startup Incubations, and grantmaking strategy. Michael previously led the domestic direct-to-consumer businesses at VICE Media and spearheaded efforts to diversify revenue streams and content formats by launching VICE’s first subscription product in the United States. and managing its experiential business. Prior to that role, he led strategy and operations for VICE’s digital division, driving efforts to grow audiences and profitability among their collection of digital brands. Michael is based in New York. Michael serves on the board of The Beacon and as a Success Partner to Capital B, Cityside, Connecticut Mirror, Montana Free Press, Mountain State Spotlight, and WyoFile. Cynthia Peeples Honesty for Ohio Education Cynthia Peeples Honesty for Ohio Education Founding Director Cynthia Peeples is the founding director of Honesty for Ohio Education, a nonpartisan, statewide coalition that believes every child deserves an honest, high-quality education grounded in truth, facts, and diverse perspectives. In her role, Cynthia advocates for honest education, affirmation of identities and cultures, the wellbeing of all students and educators, and local control in education at the Ohio Statehouse, State Board of Education, and local schools. She serves on the state board of the League of Women Voters Ohio, leads the League’s Northeast Ohio REAL TALK program, and co-chairs the Akron NAACP ACT-SO program. Cynthia transitioned into nonprofit service while working as a news anchor and reporter in Texas, marrying her passion for storytelling and advocacy. Paul Putman Cleveland Foundation Paul Putman Cleveland Foundation Director of Philanthropic Services Dr. Paul Putman is responsible for fostering and strengthening relationships with individuals, families and nonprofit organizations that seek to turn their passion into purpose through philanthropy. He has a special focus on improving the foundation’s online interface with donors and improving processes using technology. Before transitioning to his current role on the Advancement team, Paul was a member of the foundation's Program team. Paul joined the foundation in October 2008 as a Program Officer on the Community Responsive Grantmaking team where he facilitated grantmaking across multiple sectors by focusing on efforts to strengthen nonprofit organizations and improve access to services for underserved populations. In this capacity, he also coordinated the Fenn Educational Fund and oversaw special projects. Most recently he provided leadership in the review of arts education in the Cleveland schools and supported the Cleveland Foundation summer internship program. Prior to joining the foundation, Paul was the manager of the Center for Leadership and Service at Cleveland State University, where he coordinated leadership development and service-learning experiences. Paul holds a doctorate in urban education from CSU with a focus on leadership and lifelong learning. He earned his master's in psychology, with a specialization in diversity management from CSU and his master's in education, guidance, and counseling from Eastern Illinois University. Paul earned his bachelor's in English from Kent State University. Paul has published in multiple scholarly journals and authored several book chapters. His most recent work explores the development of strategic leadership competencies. Paul remains active in the community. He has continued teaching since earning his doctorate – five years teaching in the Diversity Management master’s program at CSU and more recently, several years teaching undergraduate classes at Baldwin Wallace University in leadership in philanthropy and grant proposal writing. He is a mentor with College Now Greater Cleveland and currently serves on the board of the Cleveland Public Library Foundation. Jesse Reed CareSource Jesse Reed CareSource Director, Life Services-Ohio Jesse Reed is the Director for the Life Services program with CareSource, overseeing the department’s Ohio market. He came to CareSource in early-2015 when the Life Services pilot launched and has been an integral part of the team as it has developed and evolved. Life Services’ vision is to provide a holistic foundation to address the social determinants that impact a member’s health and overall well-being. Life Services accomplishes this goal through assisting members to build a solid structure of economic and social supports, that—when coupled with the health supports currently in place—will give members a new path for their future. Prior to joining CareSource, Jesse Reed spent 10+ years working with individuals with disabilities. This included many roles with both children and adults, including residential care, running a summer respite camp, case management, and behavior support. Jesse Reed has a BA in Psychology from Miami University. He is a certified Life Coach through the International Coach Federation and is a certified Six Sigma Lean Black Belt in Healthcare. He has also been recognized as a “Master Board Member” with the Ohio School Board Association. Jesse lives in Germantown, Ohio where he was born and raised, with his wife and 3 young children. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, traveling, and coaching his children’s various sports teams. Megan Richwine Byers, Minton & Associates Megan Richwine Byers, Minton & Associates Director of Client Relations Megan joins the Byers, Minton, & Associates team after four years working in the Ohio legislature. She began her work as an Administrative Assistant in the Ohio House of Representatives where her ability to adapt quickly and thrive in the midst of deadlines led her to House Finance Chairman Scott Oelslager’s office during the 2019 Ohio Main Operating Budget process. Most recently, she served as the Senior Legislative Aide for Speaker Pro-Tempore Tim Ginter. In this leadership staff role, she managed, led, and helped organize various meetings, legislation, and events for both Representative Ginter and the broader Ohio House Majority Caucus. Megan is a graduate of the Ashbrook Scholar Program at Ashland University with a degree in Political Science and English. Autumn Russell Greater Cleveland Career Consortium Autumn Russell Greater Cleveland Career Consortium Executive Director Autumn Russell previously was with the manufacturing advocacy group MAGNET as vice president of diversity and leader of the Early College, Early Career youth apprenticeship program. She has been dedicated to career pathway design and work-based learning models throughout her career. Peter Schindler Community West Foundation Peter Schindler Community West Foundation Senior Program Officer Peter Schindler joined Community West Foundation in 2000 and has served as the senior program officer since 2010. Since then, he has worked with the foundation’s Board of Directors to facilitate making over $100 million in grants to community non-profits that provide services to the disenfranchised members of our community. Peter attended NYU, Antioch College and CSU and earned degrees in psychology and religious studies. He currently represents Community West Foundation on the Greater Cleveland Rapid Response Fund Phase II Workgroup as well as the Homeless Services Taskforce. Peter also serves on the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services Advisory Board and the United Way Grant Review Committee. Leigh Sempeles The Dayton Foundation Leigh Sempeles The Dayton Foundation Senior Fellow, Del Mar Encore Fellows Initiative Leigh Anne Sempeles joined the staff of The Dayton Foundation in 2021 as a Del Mar Encore Fellow for the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. In this role, she worked on establishing Age-Friendly initiatives in the southwest region of Ohio, as part of the MVRPC’s Institute for Livable and Equitable Communities. In 2022, she took on the role of Senior Fellow, where she is responsible for leading the initiative, fulfilling its mission of engaging older adults in addressing significant community issues, leveraging the skills and experience of retired professionals as Fellows and changing the conversation around aging. Heather Clayton Terry Enbridge Heather Clayton Terry Enbridge Philanthropy Consultant Heather Clayton Terry, MPA is an advocate, career coach and philanthropist. She currently works for Dominion Energy as the Philanthropy Consultant in the Corporate Philanthropy Department for the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. Heather is responsible for the company's foundation, sponsorships and volunteer efforts across the state of Ohio. In addition, Heather leads Dominion Energy’s Social Justice Grants Initiative, a commitment of $5 million over 24 months, to address the fundamental causes of systemic racism across the companies 14 state footprint. Heather also collaborates with Central State University and Wilberforce University to honor the HBCU Promise initiative, a commitment of $25 million over six years to 11 HBCU’s across the company’s footprint. Prior to Dominion Energy, Heather worked as the Associate Director for Women in Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Heather advised emerging women and underrepresented students in pursuit of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics/Medicine) degrees and provided individual coaching to help students navigate male dominated fields. In 2015, Heather established the Family Equity Committee at CWRU for alternative family building in collaboration with a group of individuals determined to modernize policies to address national trends in infertility insurance coverage, adoption benefits, and foster care support. Heather also established the Women of Color Series and the LGBT and Women’s Center’s Collaborative Series at CWRU to address intersectional feminism and the layers of bias which impact interaction and experience based on race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Heather is a native Clevelander and first-generation college graduate who has worked as a Project Manager for National Institutes of Health grants as well as worked as the Francis H. Beam, Jr. Fellow for the philanthropic entity, the Saint Luke’s Foundation. Prior to her fellowship, Heather spent six years managing programming initiatives for the Cleveland Public Library as well as taught adolescents in programs such as the NASA Workforce and Economic Division - Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) Program. Heather is a member of the Our Hope, Our Future Giving Circle administered in collaboration with the Cleveland Foundation. The initiative is led by Black and/or African American community members of Cleveland who pool their personal dollars to annually provide grants to Black-led nonprofit organizations. Terry recently received the Emerging Philanthropist 2021 Award from Philanthropy Ohio. She was also graced with the Women of Distinction Award in 2018 (Girl Scouts of North East Ohio), the Women’s Centers Outstanding Achievement Award in 2017 (National Women’s Studies Association), the Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Award in 2017 (Case Western Reserve University) and the NEO 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers Award in 2009 (The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club & Inside Business Magazine). Heather is a wife (Brandon), a mother to fraternal twins (Harper and Braxton), a daughter (Gail and Ronald) and a lover of dogs (Duke). Teleangé Thomas JumpStart, Inc. Teleangé Thomas JumpStart, Inc. Chief Operations & Relationships Officer Teleangé is the Chief Operating & Relationship Officer for JumpStart Inc. where she is responsible for aligning the talent, infrastructure, and resources of the organization to unlock the power of entrepreneurship to transform communities. Further, she sets strategy for JumpStart’s long-term sustainability, strengthens partnerships, and spearheads the organization’s involvement in civic initiatives including the Cleveland Innovation Project, the MidTown Innovation District and other initiatives aligned to JumpStart’s goals and values to drive equitable economic impact. Thomas brings with her nearly twenty years of experience in public health, nonprofit management and philanthropy. She is committed to building sustainable opportunities for children, women and neighborhoods, particularly BlPOC communities. Prior to joining JumpStart, she served as the Director of Partnerships at Candid, formed in 2019 when Foundation Center and GuideStar joined forces to create a 21st-century data infrastructure for the social sector. Before her work at Candid, Thomas served in leadership and management positions at The Sisters of Charity Foundation, University Hospitals and the City of Cleveland. Teleangé has been impacting social and economic inequities throughout her career. A social entrepreneur herself, she is the founder of Plattforms LLC, a women and minority-owned firm that specializes in the design, startup, and sustainability of social change initiatives to improve humanity through socio-economic opportunity and equity-based solutions, elevating people, places and ideas. As a consultant, she has managed major projects for clients including JumpStart, Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth, Molsen, Bacardi, United Black Fund and others. As importantly, she is a committed civic leader and change agent. She is the co-architect of Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland, Celebrate Those Who Give Black and the Cleveland Black Equity & Humanity Fund which she built to amplify and sharpen the giving power of Black donors and catalyze the next generation of givers and doers, particularly in Cleveland, Ohio. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Business Management and entrepreneurial studies from Case Western Reserve University. She sits on the boards of Community Health Charities, Policy Matters Ohio, The Cleveland Port Authority, and the Cleveland Public Library. She is a Fellow of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and is published in academic journals. Thomas is a member of Zeta-Phi-Beta Sorority and the Order of the Eastern Star, a loving daughter, committed big sister and proud auntie. Martin J. Uhle Community West Foundation Martin J. Uhle Community West Foundation President & CEO Martin J. Uhle became the President and CEO of Community West Foundation in January 2020 after serving on the Board of Directors for just over ten years. In his first year, Community West awarded 70 grants to nonprofit agencies, the most in the Foundation’s history, totaling $2.4 million. Prior to this role, Mr. Uhle had two simultaneous non-profit leadership roles: Superintendent and CEO of the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association from 2016-2019 and Messiah Lutheran’s Pierstorf Memorial Fund Executive Director since 2012 which entailed granting interest-free loans to Lutheran students to help them go to college. Mr. Uhle holds a Masters of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace University and a Bachelors of Arts in Business from Wittenberg University. He served Wittenberg on the Board of Directors, stepping down in May 2021 after the maximum 12-year term. In addition to his board involvement at Community West Foundation and Wittenberg University, Mr. Uhle is a member of the Cleveland Clinic Fairview and Lutheran Hospital Board of Trustees. Mr. Uhle previously served seven years on the board for the Urban Community School located on the near west side of Cleveland. Prior to his nonprofit work, Mr. Uhle held senior leadership positions for the majority of his career including President and CEO of Vantage Financial Group from 2005-2010; President and COO of Heartland Payment Systems from 1997-2004; and Senior Vice President, Payment Services with KeyBank from 1985- 1997. Efforts in these roles allowed him the flexibility to choose how to spend the rest of his working career. Mr. Uhle’s business acumen coupled with his passion for philanthropic engagement make him an ideal leader to carry out the mission of Community West Foundation which is to advance the health and well-being of our community. Brian Upton Building Hope in the City Brian Upton Building Hope in the City Executive Director Brian S. Upton serves as Executive Director of Building Hope in the City. In this role, Upton is responsible for the strategic direction and advancement of the organization, including program services, operations, and fund development. He co-founded the organization in 2003. Previously, Upton worked for over a decade in the business sector for various Cleveland-area marketing and public relations agencies, managing clients including Major League Baseball, Rubbermaid, and nonprofit organizations including hospitals and human service organizations. A native of Cleveland, Upton holds a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He has previously served as a member of the Ohio Refugee Advisory Council and is a licensed facilitator/trainer of Bridges Out of Poverty by aha! Process. Piet van Lier Policy Matters Ohio Piet van Lier Policy Matters Ohio Senior Researcher Piet van Lier is a senior researcher focused on the criminal legal system and education with Policy Matters Ohio, a nonpartisan research institute creating a more vibrant, equitable, sustainable and inclusive Ohio. Piet originally joined the staff as an education policy researcher and became Policy Matters’ first communications director in 2011. He worked with the Cleveland Transformation Alliance from 2014 to 2019, serving as executive director from 2016 to 2019. Piet began his career as a journalist, covering a broad array of social justice issues including education, and worked on peace and human rights in Central America and Mexico. He grew up in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland, and now lives on the near west side with his family. Jason Weiner Cleveland Foundation Jason Weiner Cleveland Foundation Philanthropic Advisor Jason Weiner joined the foundation’s Advancement Team in October 2017 where he works to foster and strengthen relationships with individuals, families and organizations seeking to impact the causes and issues they care most about through philanthropy. Jason was introduced to a career in the nonprofit sector as one of the first Cleveland Foundation Summer Interns in 2001. Jason brings more than eleven years of senior level fundraising experience in arts and human services organizations to the foundation. In his most recent position as Director of Development for Beck Center for the Arts, he was responsible for developing and implementing the fundraising strategy for the organization as well as building and maintaining individual and institutional relationships. He currently serves as a board member with Ohio Citizens for the Arts and a member of the Cleveland Foundation’s Summer Internship Program Advisory Council. He earned a bachelor of arts in sociology and a master of arts in sociology both from Cleveland State University. Karen White KeyBank Foundation Karen White KeyBank Foundation Senior VP, Community Relations and Corporate Initiatives, KeyBank Karen White is the senior vice president and senior program officer, corporate philanthropy, for KeyBank. She is KeyBank Foundation’s Neighbors strategy leader and guides strategic grantmaking in Key’s Great Lakes and Western Pennsylvania regions. Karen leads Key’s national signature volunteer effort “Neighbors Makes the Difference Day” and has oversight of Key’s United Way Campaign activities across the United States. For KeyBank Foundation, she manages a grant portfolio of nearly $40 million. In Northeast Ohio, Karen manages strategic grantmaking for the foundation in the areas of arts and culture and community economic impact. She is a graduate of Sawyer College of Business. Helen Williams Cleveland Foundation Helen Williams Cleveland Foundation Vice President, Strategy Helen Williams oversees the foundation’s grantmaking in all areas of education. She has more than 25 years of experience in executive management and consulting in nonprofit, public, and corporate organizations, specializing in strategic planning and leadership development. Helen is the former associate director of the Cleveland Initiative for Education. Under former Ohio Gov. Richard F. Celeste, Helen directed the State of Ohio’s regional office in Cleveland. She holds a doctorate in organizational behavior from Case Western Reserve University. Leon Wilson Cleveland Foundation Leon Wilson Cleveland Foundation Chief of Digital Innovation and Chief Information Officer Leon, has over 25 years in Information Technology, currently as the Chief of Digital Innovation & Chief Information Officer at the Cleveland Foundation. In this dual role, Leon is part of the executive committee leading the foundation’s Information & Technology Services department, focusing on strategic and transformational use of technology and data within the foundation and the philanthropic sector. Additionally, as Chief of Digital Innovation, Leon oversees the foundation’s Digital Excellence grant-making strategy geared toward “building a stronger, more equitable and inclusive digital community” tackling Cleveland’s digital divide; along with elevating Greater Cleveland’s position as a intelligent / smart city and regional technology innovation hub. Will Woodward Greater Cincinnati Foundation Will Woodward Greater Cincinnati Foundation CFO As Chief Financial Officer of Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), Will Woodward is responsible for the management of GCF’s business planning, accounting and finance, oversight of investment strategy and management, as well as management of financial systems supporting donor access, grant distribution and operations. He also oversees HR, technology and risk and data security management. Additionally, Will plays a key role in partnering with GCF donors and financial partners in the community to manage and grow GCF’s assets. Prior to his role at GCF, Will was Vice President of Finance for UNIRUSH, an innovative private equity-backed company that contained the largest privately held VISA prepaid debit card company and second largest privately held pay card company in the United States. He also held various financial positions with Mercy Health and Deloitte. Will is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He is a member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s Leadership Cincinnati – Class 43. He also sits on the boards of the Catalytic Fund and Finance Committee of Philanthropy Ohio. Will earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Master of Business Administration degrees from Miami University. He resides in Symmes Township with his family. Sheila Wright Frontline Development Sheila Wright Frontline Development President Sheila Wright is the Co-Founder, President and Managing Partner of Frontline Development Group, LLC. She worked for ten years under the direction of Albert B. Ratner, former CEO and Chair Emeritus of Forest City Realty Trust. She serves as Board Chair of Karamu House, the oldest black-producing theater in the country. Sheila also serves on various boards and where she leads as a committee chair including, Economic Development for the Cleveland NAACP and Racial Equity for the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. Sheila serves as Vice Chair for Growth Opportunity Partners. She is also a Trustee for the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. She is the Founder, President and CEO of The CREW Foundation, an organization focused on catalyzing economic development by diversifying and building a strong media production industry in Ohio. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Sheila holds a B.A., J.D. from Cleveland State University and an M.B.A. from Case Western Reserve University. Jennifer Zimmerman bi3 Jennifer Zimmerman bi3 Vice President of Evaluation and Impact Jennifer Zimmerman is the Vice President, Evaluation and Impact for bi3, Bethesda Inc.’s grantmaking initiative to transform the health of all people in Greater Cincinnati. bi3 invests in innovative ideas that have the potential to lead to breakthrough change in health practices. With a goal of reducing health disparities, achieving health equity is central to bi3’s mission to create a healthier community for all. Jennifer leads the development of bi3’s strategy and evaluation and learning efforts to achieve its mission. She partners with grantees to plan, implement and evaluate grant-funded initiatives. Previously, Jennifer was the principle a consulting firm offering evaluation, program development and strategic planning services to nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. She has served as the director of an early education collaborative and evaluation staff for an education nonprofit and a health conversion foundation. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus in social and economic development. Gregory Zucca MetroHealth System Gregory Zucca MetroHealth System Executive Director of Community Transformation & Real Estate Holdings Greg Zucca is the Executive Director of Community Transformation and Real Estate Holdings for The MetroHealth System. Greg is responsible for neighborhood development projects as part of MetroHealth’s $1 billion Campus Transformation initiative. Greg oversees several development projects which include affordable and workforce housing that is initially focused along the West 25th Street Corridor in Cleveland, Ohio. In this work, Greg also functions as the Executive Director of CCH Development, a separate 501c3 non-profit development agency created by MetroHealth to spur community investment that supports MetroHealth’s mission. The community development projects Greg manages represent a $100 million investment in the neighborhoods MetroHealth serves and are part of the System’s mission to address the Social Determinants Of Health. To support this work, Greg partners with multiple community stakeholders and is leading efforts to implement the Clark Fulton Neighborhood Master Plan and measure performance as the first ever certified healthcare-anchored EcoDistrict. These projects support MetroHealth’s goal to positively impact the overall health and well-being of the communities MetroHealth has served for 185 years.
