About Registration Agenda Location Presenters Sponsors & Exhibitors FAQ Presenters Plenary Speakers Meghan Cummings Philanthropy Ohio Meghan Cummings Philanthropy Ohio President & CEO Meghan Cummings is Vice President, Civic Advancement at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. She is passionate about addressing poverty and equity issues by igniting public will and inspiring companies, government and philanthropy to collaborate in new ways. She leads the Greater Cincinnati Foundation's public policy and advocacy work. She is a past president of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has worked extensively on the chapter's diversity and inclusion efforts, including the creation of a diversity pipeline program called New Faces of Fundraising. She was named to the 2014 class of the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty Under 40. She serves on the boards of Philanthropy Ohio, GreenLight Fund and Ellequate, a certification program for US employers around gender and racial equity in the workplace. 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. Randell McShepard RPM International Inc. Randell McShepard RPM International Inc. Vice President - Public Affairs and Chief Talent Officer Randell McShepard is currently employed as the Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief Talent Officer for RPM International Inc., a $7.3 billion-dollar chemical coatings/paint company headquartered in Medina, Ohio. In this post, he is responsible for managing external and governmental affairs for the company. His duties also include leading the corporate philanthropy program, facilitating corporate purchasing initiatives and coordinating executive leadership development activities and succession planning for the company’s top 350 executives. Prior to joining RPM, Randell worked in nonprofit management positions focused on workforce development, economic development and community service. An active community and civic leader, Mr. McShepard is currently serving on several boards in Northeast Ohio including The Cleveland Foundation (Chair), Destination Cleveland (Vice Chair) and Citymark Capital, LLC. He is Co-Founder and Chairman of PolicyBridge, a public policy think tank serving the Northeast Ohio region since 2004. He is also the Co-Founder of the Rid-All Green Partnership, a thriving urban farm in Cleveland’s Lower Kinsman neighborhood that grows organic vegetables, farm raises tilapia fish and leads environmental stewardship efforts. In May of 2015, he was the first African American elected President of The Union Club of Cleveland, a prestigious business and social club that has been home to the region’s corporate and civic leadership since 1872. Mr. McShepard’s previous community/civic leadership roles have included serving on the Boards of the George Gund Foundation, Baldwin Wallace University and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. He has served as Chairman of the Manufacturing Advocacy Council of the National Association of Manufacturers; Chairman of the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Workforce Investment Board; Chairman of the Sisters of Charity Foundation; Vice-Chairman of the Fund for Our Economic Future and Vice-Chairman of Business Volunteers Unlimited. He also served on the Executive Committee for the Cuyahoga County Government Reform transition in 2010. Randell was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Baldwin-Wallace University (BA) and Cleveland State University (MS). Among his many honors, Mr. McShepard was inducted into the John F. Kennedy High School Hall of Fame, recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of Cleveland State University, and bestowed a Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree from both Baldwin Wallace University and Cuyahoga Community College in 2022. He has been honored as a “C-Suite Champion” by Crain’s Cleveland and is included in the History Makers Collection at the Library of Congress. He is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland and remains active at his home church, St. James AME in Cleveland, where he serves as Chairman of the Steward Board. Randell and his wife Gail reside in Beachwood, Ohio and have three adult children. 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. Cynthia H. Andrews Community Foundation of Lorain County Cynthia H. Andrews Community Foundation of Lorain County President and CEO Over the past 30 years, Cindy has held various senior management positions in the private and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining the Community Foundation in 2017, Cindy was the executive director at Oberlin Community Services (OCS), a social services organization serving southern Lorain County. Before joining OCS, Cindy spent 26 years at IBM in key management positions, including senior location executive of the company's Northeast Ohio geography, responsible for over 400 IBMers and the relationship with the business and philanthropic community. Cindy also led the IBM Education Industry team for the Public Sector Americas. Cindy has served on the board of trustees of the United Way of Greater Cleveland, Business Volunteers Unlimited, The Center for Families and Children and Oberlin Community. Cindy serves on the board of directors of Mercy Health Lorain and the Fund for Our Economic Future. Cindy holds an MBA and a bachelor's degree from the Pennsylvania State University. Sruti Baz Sangfroid Strategy LLC Sruti Baz Sangfroid Strategy LLC Senior Consultant, Data-Driven Strategy Sruti Baz was raised in a family that emphasized the importance of contributing to positive change in the communities and society she is a part of. That upbringing made her committed to using her skills to advance social impact. She leverages her experience working with nonprofits, foundations and government to help clients design strategies to tackle complex social challenges. An essential part of Sruti's work is helping diverse social impact organizations in strategic and implementation planning. She develops plans tailored to each client's needs to influence policy decisions in the interest of marginalized communities. By analyzing complex socio-political environments and conducting holistic stakeholder engagement, she helps organizations align their goals with advocacy efforts. Working with Sruti, clients develop strategies to enhance their influence, drive systemic change and amplify their impact. Sruti holds a master's degree in social science administration from Case Western Reserve University and a master's degree in public administration from City University of New York's Baruch College through the National Urban Fellows Program, a program specifically for people committed to centering equity in all aspects of their work. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, gardening and cooking with her husband Joe, son Khalil, daughter Ishani and dog Lila. Tayo Clyburn Charles F. Kettering Foundation Tayo Clyburn Charles F. Kettering Foundation Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Advisor to the president Tayo Clyburn serves as chief strategy officer and senior advisor to the president at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, where he plays a crucial role in advancing the foundation's mission to foster inclusive democracy. He collaborates closely with senior leadership and program leaders in his strategic role to identify innovative pathways for impactful change within the foundation's initiatives, ensuring alignment with its strategic vision. As a trusted advisor to the foundation's president, Clyburn contributes his insights on internal priorities, cultural shaping and decision-making processes that guide the organization's progress. Clyburn has held significant leadership positions across academia, including dean of diversity, equity and inclusion at Colby College and vice president for inclusive diversity and equity at St. Mary's College of Maryland. Megan Cooper Learn to Earn Dayton Megan Cooper Learn to Earn Dayton Director of Development and Communication Megan Cooper serves as Learn to Earn Dayton's development and communication director, leading fundraising, donor relations, grant management, communication and outreach efforts. She joined Learn to Earn Dayton in 2022, bringing a passion for the Dayton region and broad experience in the nonprofit community, having previously served as development manager for Dayton Metro Library, executive director for Film Dayton and at Eastway Behavioral Healthcare, as well as through extensive volunteer service to support the arts, economic development and neighborhood vibrancy of the region. Megan earned a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Dayton, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 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. Aneet Deshpande Clearstead Aneet Deshpande Clearstead Chief Investment Officer Aneet serves as Clearstead's Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and has 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. In his current role, Aneet oversees investments and research for Clearstead and its subsidiaries. Prior to joining Clearstead, Aneet served as CIO for PNC Capital Advisors, LLC (PCA), a multibillion-dollar asset management company, overseeing the firm's investment teams and products – including the PNC family of mutual funds. Before assuming CIO responsibilities, Aneet held key leadership positions within PCA's investment strategy, trading and portfolio management functions. Before joining PNC Capital Advisors, he traded quantitative equity strategies for a boutique asset management firm in Chicago, Illinois. Aneet earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Louisville. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) charter holder and CFA Society of Cleveland member. Stella Dilik Western Reserve Land Conservancy Stella Dilik Western Reserve Land Conservancy Chief Development Officer Stella Dilik brings a dedication to conservation and community development as the Chief Development Officer at Western Reserve Land Conservancy. With her steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and her extensive experience in fundraising and strategic partnerships, Stella plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Land Conservancy. Having spent nearly 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Stella possesses a unique blend of expertise in philanthropy, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Stella’s journey in conservation began with a deep connection to nature instilled in her childhood, which evolved into a lifelong commitment to finding peace in nature and a desire to protect land and water resources. Her work is guided by a belief in the transformative power of nature and collaboration, as she strives to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, stakeholders, and community members to effect positive change. Prior to joining Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Stella held key leadership positions in various nonprofit organizations including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Health System, The MetroHealth System, Lake Ridge Academy, and The Salvation Army, where she spearheaded successful fundraising initiatives. Her ability to articulate a compelling vision for the future of conservation has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and supporters alike. Stella holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Miami University and took graduate classes at Cleveland State University. She is a member of the Cleveland Leadership Institute’s Leadership Cleveland Class of 2024 and continues to engage in ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and best practices in conservation and philanthropy. Stella lives in Avon, OH with her husband, Geoff, and her daughters Melia and Hanna. They enjoy time on their family farm in Wellington, OH with their two Dobermans Mishka and Meeko. Stella loves vacationing with her family in beautiful natural areas and visiting vibrant cities. She also likes to cook, hike, ski, and read. Kimberly Habash Dorniden The Siemer Institute Kimberly Habash Dorniden The Siemer Institute President & National Executive Director Kimberly is a dedicated leader with a strong commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. With over two decades of experience in social impact, Kimberly has the privilege of serving as the president and national director of the Siemer Institute. At this operating foundation, her primary focus is investing in the potential of children through family stability. A dedication to organizational development and mission fulfillment has characterized her journey as a visionary and inclusive leader. Before her current role, she held various corporate foundations consulting roles and executive leadership positions with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. Throughout her career, she has earned respect and recognition from peers, becoming a leader synonymous with innovation, strategic vision and lasting impact. Ruth Swetland Eppig Sears-Swetland Family Foundation Ruth Swetland Eppig Sears-Swetland Family Foundation President Ruth Swetland Eppig is president of The Sears-Swetland Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization that fosters healthy, livable communities in the Greater Cleveland area through support for environmental health, education and urban sustainability initiatives. A Cleveland native, Ruth earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology from Smith College. Beyond her leadership at the foundation and Western Reserve Land Conservancy, she contributes to the arts and education on the Cleveland Institute of Art Board of Directors. Ruth's commitment to community development and environmental stewardship reflects her family's longstanding tradition of civic engagement and philanthropy in the region. Bryan Geary Foundant Technologies, Inc. Bryan Geary Foundant Technologies, Inc. Engagement Manager - CommunitySuite Bryan has been in the Community Foundation world since 2010 – first with FIMS, then with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and for the past eight years as part of Foundant’s CommunitySuite team. Prior to community foundations, he worked in Information Technology at every level from help desk and programming to managing technology departments for manufacturing companies. He grew up in Columbus Ohio and like many of his Buckeye State counterparts now lives in the warm climate of Central Florida. He is also always happy to talk hockey (especially the Florida Panthers), dogs, cats and you can also ask him about what it was like to be an extra on set for filming in the Chosen! Sheri Chaney Jones SureImpact Sheri Chaney Jones SureImpact Founder & CEO For 25 years, Sheri Chaney Jones has worked alongside foundations, nonprofit and government leaders to help them use data to solve complex social problems and increase revenue. An author, professor and internationally recognized measurement expert, Sheri believes in data, metrics and accountability. In 2018, Sheri launched SureImpact to automate and simplify the process of collecting and sharing outcomes and impact data. Sheri is a thought leader in public sector evaluation and applied organizational research. She is the author of "Impact & Excellence: Data-Driven Strategies for Aligning Mission, Culture, and Performance in Nonprofit and Government Organizations" (Jossey Bass, 2014). Sheri holds a Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Sheri, her husband Matt and their four children live in Columbus, Ohio. Michelle Lovely The Dayton Foundation Michelle Lovely The Dayton Foundation Senior Vice President of Development and Donor Services Michelle Lovely joined the Dayton Foundation in 2016, bringing 23 years of customer relationship management, business development, banking and wealth advisory experience and nine years of nonprofit experience. She was previously employed as vice president of Private Banking for The Huntington National Bank. As senior vice president of Development and Donor Services, Michelle oversees outgoing donor grant requests, fund development and gift planning activities. A lifelong Preble County resident, Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science from Miami University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She's also an active community volunteer and has served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees. She serves on Philanthropy Ohio's Governing Board, Leadership Dayton's Alumni Committee and Learn to Earn Dayton's Governing Board. In her spare time, Michelle can be found reading a book, cooking for her family or on her boat with friends and family. She and her husband, Travis, have a son attending The University of Dayton and two grown daughters, one of whom has blessed her with her grandchildren, Walker and Georgia. Sarah Lowry Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley Sarah Lowry Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley Director As senior director of community impact, Sarah leverages over 12 years of experience leading the Healthy Community Partnership and representing U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown in Northeast Ohio. These experiences helped Sarah cultivate strong, diverse relationships and skills related to public policy and decision-making processes. Sarah shares her time overseeing the Partnership, a cross-sector collaborative and its work to create a healthier Mahoning Valley by addressing the region's poor health outcomes and supporting the Community Foundation's strategic community leadership initiatives by making connections between people and resources needed to make lasting, positive change. Mae Medore Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley Mae Medore Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley Community Relations and Engagement Coordinator In their role as Community Impact Coordinator, Mae works to build relationships across the Mahoning Valley, work that puts them in touch with local organizations that are leading grassroots efforts to make our community a better place to live. As part of the community impact team, Mae also works to boost community awareness of the Foundation’s work, as well as the area’s assets and challenges. Prior to arriving at the Community Foundation, Mae spent nearly a decade as a journalist in the Valley. A native of Flint, MI, they moved to Youngstown in 2010 to attend YSU and has since made the Valley their home. Mae is a board member of The Buckeye Flame, a nonprofit news outlet by and for LGBTQ+ Ohioans. In their free time, Mae plays tabletop roleplaying games, listens to podcasts about off-the-beaten path history, and watches their cats Migi and Ana be adorable. Kerri L. Mollard Mollard Consulting Kerri L. Mollard Mollard Consulting Founder & CEO Kerri Mollard is the founder and CEO of Mollard Consulting based in New Albany. She is a respected authority on nonprofit board governance, planning and fundraising. Since 2003, Kerri and her team have served nearly 200 clients and thousands more through workshops and trainings. Prior to consulting, Kerri worked for nonprofits in various roles, from box office manager to interim executive director. In 2025, the company launched Board Building, a unique board matching, training and support service. She has a master's degree from Indiana University, a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource. She is also a local elected official, serving as Plain Township Trustee since 2022. Kyumon Murrell CFLeads Kyumon Murrell CFLeads Director of Community Leadership Initiatives Kyumon strives to shape the modern ethos of philanthropy and urges the sector to embrace conscious innovation. His purpose lies in dismantling systems that hinder wealth creation and sustainment in marginalized communities across the country. Kyumon is an experienced philanthropic professional with a strong background in managing and advising community and corporate foundations on strategic development, program coordination, and donor education opportunities. Utilizing his passion for nonprofit partnerships, Kyumon brings multiple years of expertise in increasing community engagement through a racially equitable lens in any locality across the nation. As Director of Community Leadership Initiatives, he will advance and develop approaches and frameworks for advancing community foundation leadership and learning, while connecting lessons from programmatic work for ongoing impact. Brittany Schultz Cleveland Foundation Brittany Schultz Cleveland Foundation Philanthropic Advisor Alex Shannon Clearstead Alex Shannon Clearstead Director, Business Development Alex joined Clearstead in 2023 as a Director of Business Development. Alex works on business development opportunities with both institutional and private wealth clients. Prior to joining Clearstead, Alex was a Financial Consultant for Legacy Strategic Asset Management of Wells Fargo Advisors. He also served as a development officer at Akron Children’s Hospital. Alex has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Akron, a Master’s in Business Administration from Malone University, and a Master’s of Science in Business Psychology from Franklin University. He volunteers his time serving as Board President for Stark State College Foundation Board of Directors, former Chairman of the Finance Council for the Newman Center at Kent State University, Phi Delta Theta Ohio Epsilon Scholarship Committee’s Executive Board, Trustee for the Frank J.R. Mitchell Scroll Endowment Fund, a current member of Akron Community Foundation’s Emerging Philanthropist’s class and is a member of the Leadership Akron Class 36. Alex was recognized by the University of Akron Alumni Association in 2019 for their inaugural ‘5Under35’ and in 2022, was recognized by Phi Delta Theta in their inaugural 30 under 30. Matthew A. Shannon Clearstead Matthew A. Shannon Clearstead Senior Institutional Consultant Matthew Shannon, CIMA®, is the executive managing director and head of institutional consulting services. He joined Clearstead in 2023 as part of an eight-person team from a wealth management firm in Hudson. Matt brings extensive sales and management experience, with family roots in institutional consulting spanning 30 years. Jamie Simoneau Community Foundation of Lorain County Jamie Simoneau Community Foundation of Lorain County Chief Impact Officer Jamie has 20 years of experience combining philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, development, corporate marketing and public relations agency experience. She previously served as chief operating officer for the Great Lakes Science Center. She has held positions in both the public and nonprofit sectors, including an international real estate company and a public relations firm. Jamie is a graduate of Ohio University. Travis Speice Women's Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation Travis Speice Women's Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation Applied Research Director Travis Speice, Ph.D., is the applied research director at the Women's Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, where he leads research and advocacy initiatives focused on gender and racial equity. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Cincinnati and is dedicated to using evidence-based solutions to drive systemic change. Ebrahim Varachia Patronicity Ebrahim Varachia Patronicity President & Co-Founder Ebrahim is the president & co-founder of Patronicity. He believes the cornerstone between a great idea and its coming to life is often the funding. He started Patronicity as a civic and community crowdfunding platform built to inspire growth and change in placemaking throughout cities and towns, both urban and rural, across the country. Growing Patronicity to be more than just a civic crowdfunding platform, he has led Patronicity to change how grants are administered and how communities come together to envision, build and create more sustainable and impactful projects meaningful to them. Vicki Vicars Vicki Vicars Vice President of Operations Raised in Canton, Ohio, Vicki has been a Mahoning Valley resident for 35 years. After working 33 years as a Catholic religious education and evangelization coordinator in various parishes, Vicki left that ministry to pursue other opportunities. She worked as a lead community organizer with ACTION and currently works as director of mission, equity and resilience for Ursuline Sisters Mission. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, Vicki is excited to work with Thrive Mahoning Valley to build inclusive, equitable communities that welcome people from all walks of life. She and her husband, Terry, have a son, a daughter and five grandchildren. They have been foster parents to Jimmy for 33 years. 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. David Wheeler David Wheeler Community Member David Wheeler is an artist, curator and organizer of a wide variety of community engagement programs, working with multiple organizations in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. David works for the Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County, lives in Warren, Ohio, and serves on the board of directors for Honeycomb Arts and Wellness Collective and Loop Youngstown. He takes pride in being an active and engaged member of the community. Renée Willis Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Renée Willis Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Executive Director Dr. Renée T. Willis is the Executive Director of The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation; a private foundation committed to advancing educational excellence in Ohio’s PreK-12 public schools since 1959. Appointed in January 2024, Dr. Willis brings more than 30 years of experience in public education to her role, having served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. She is the first woman and the first African American to lead the Foundation. A proud graduate of Cleveland Public Schools, Dr. Willis holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education from Cleveland State University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Baldwin Wallace University, and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Spelman College. Her leadership at the Jennings Foundation reflects her belief that bold, equity-focused philanthropy can drive real systems change in education. Dr. Willis is also an engaged member of Philanthropy Ohio, where she serves as Co-Chair of the Education Policy Table. Her session will highlight how funders can leverage their influence to shape education policy, support public schools through strategic grantmaking, and navigate the evolving landscape of K-12 education in Ohio. Drawing from both her practitioner and philanthropic experience, she brings a unique and actionable perspective to the conversation on how philanthropy can strengthen public education statewide. Matt Zone Western Reserve Land Conservancy Matt Zone Western Reserve Land Conservancy Senior Vice President and Director of Thriving Communities Matt Zone oversees Western Reserve Land Conservancy's Thriving Communities program, where he works with cities and community organizations throughout Ohio to transform vacant, unsafe and unproductive properties into useful ones. In the process, communities are finding new opportunities to attract economic growth, add green space and support safe, beautiful neighborhoods. Prior to joining the Land Conservancy, Matt served as a Cleveland City Councilman for two decades, representing Ward 15. Throughout his career as a public official, Matt gained a reputation for working collaboratively with the Cleveland city government and residents to enhance the neighborhoods he served. Matt is recognized nationally, regionally and locally as a leader on environmental and arts & cultural issues.
