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Lillian A. KuriExecutive Office
President & Chief Executive Officer
Executive Assistant: Donna Johnson, 216.615.7168
On Aug. 1, 2023, Lillian Kuri made history by becoming the first female president & CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, the world's oldest and one of the largest community foundations with $3 billion in assets. With over 25 years of executive and civic leadership experience, Lillian is known as an innovator, advocate and coalition builder who develops strategic initiatives with transformational results.
As president & CEO, Lillian is currently leading the Cleveland Foundation’s transformation with a visionary strategic plan to shape the "Community Foundation of the Future." Previously, as executive vice president & chief operating officer, she spearheaded the foundation's historic move to Cleveland’s Midtown/Hough neighborhood.
Since beginning her work with the foundation in 2005, Lillian has designed and led impactful, nationally acclaimed strategies to expand opportunities for Greater Cleveland residents. She developed and led a comprehensive revitalization of Cleveland’s Greater University Circle district, now recognized as a national model for anchor institution development strategies. She also co-founded the Evergreen Cooperatives, an innovative venture fostering community wealth through a network of employee-owned businesses. As vice president, strategic grantmaking, arts & urban design, she championed arts, culture and placemaking – including the foundation’s arts mastery initiative that brings year-round, rigorous, mastery-based programs in theater, music and visual arts to over 3,000 underserved children annually.
From 2000-2004, Lillian was the executive director of Cleveland Public Art. Prior to that, she managed Cleveland’s citywide plan for Mayor Michael R. White.
Throughout her career, Lillian has been an influential advocate for equitable urban design, planning, and architecture in Cleveland. In 2022, Mayor Justin Bibb appointed Lillian to chair the Cleveland Planning Commission, making her the first woman to serve as chair in the city’s 226-year history.
Lillian has been honored with awards and recognitions for her work, including Cleveland Magazine’s Community Leader of the Year, YWCA Greater Cleveland’s Women of Achievement, Crain’s Cleveland Business' Women of Note, and Western Reserve Academy’s Waring Prize. She has been named among Cleveland Business Journal’s “12 People to Watch in Business,” and was profiled by Cleveland Magazine in the 2020 article “Female Architects Shaping Cleveland.”
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.
Rosanne PotterFinance
Chief Growth Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Executive Assistant: Pamela Jaffe 216.615.7183
In her current role as CFO, Rosanne manages the finance function for the Cleveland Foundation and their $3B endowment. She co-leads the foundation’s new headquarters construction project, manages a $20M budget and co-leads the social impact investing program. The Cleveland Foundation is the oldest community foundation in the United States. Prior to joining the foundation in April 2016, she was responsible for managing $10 billion of global retirement assets for Eaton Corporation in Cleveland. She also held the position of treasurer for five major companies including the Lubrizol Corporation, RTI International Metals, Inc., and Dexter Corporation.
Ms. Potter was recently honored with a 2022 YWCA Woman of Achievement Award presented to a select group of Northeast Ohio women who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments through career success. Participating on non-profit board other than the foundation is important to Ms. Potter who currently serves on the boards of Walsh Jesuit High School and the Twinsburg City Schools Foundation. She is a former board member and founding chairperson for the Cleveland American Heart Association’s Circle of Red and the Vision and Steering Committee for Go Red Goes STEM Cleveland. Past board service includes the Northeast Ohio Make a Wish Foundation, Adoption Network Cleveland and In Counsel with Women.
Colette M. JonesMarketing & Communications
Chief Marketing Officer
Marketing & Events Manager: Melissa Huber 216.615.7140
Colette M. Jones joined the Cleveland Foundation in March 2022 to oversee the organization’s marketing and communications efforts. Prior to this role, for 10 years she served as the head of marketing and communications at Destination Cleveland, the Destination Marketing and Management Organization for Cuyahoga County. Colette led the development and 2014 launch of the Cleveland visitor brand to promote Northeast Ohio as a visitor destination, including the implementation of supporting assets and initiatives such as ThisisCleveland.com and the #ThisisCLE resident engagement and local grassroots activation.
While in this role, she led the marketing and communications efforts for the Cleveland 2016 Host Committee for the Republican National Convention, oversaw the 2019 MLB All Stars Cleveland visitor marketing, and acted as a co-chair for the marketing and communications committees for the 2021 NFL Draft Cleveland and 2022 NBA All Star Game Cleveland.
Colette has received recognition in multiple areas, including as a Crain’s Notable Marketing Executive, an SME Cleveland Sales and Marketing Award recipient, a Marshall Memorial Fellow and an American Advertising Federation Industry - Cleveland Impact Award recipient as well as a being a recipient of awards from industry associations for the Cleveland visitor brand.
Colette brings 25 years of marketing experience to the Cleveland Foundation having worked as an independent consultant, in brand management and in sales with companies such as the Wm. Wrigley Jr., Co., ConAgra Foods and KeyBank. A Shaker Heights native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Miami University and an MBA in marketing from The Ohio State University. She sits on the LAND Studio Board of Trustees, Karamu House Board of Directors, and the Deaconess Foundation Board of Directors.
Ginger F. MlakarAdvancement
SVP, Philanthropic Strategy & Growth and General Counsel
Executive Coordinator: Connie Gilbert, 216.615.7588
216.615.7187 |
Ginger Mlakar serves as in-house legal counsel and manages the Foundation's legal affairs. Additionally, she oversees the teams that works with current donors, individuals, business owners, and their professional advisors to identify their charitable objectives and implement simple to complex strategies to accomplish their philanthropic goals. At the same time, Ginger connects non-profits to partnership opportunities with the Foundation. She came to the Cleveland Foundation in July 2009 after 16 years practicing law in estate, trust and charitable gift planning and administration. Her previous positions include partner in the personal succession and planning practice group at Thompson Hine LLP and of counsel in the estate planning and probate practice group at Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP. She is also a certified public accountant.
Ginger has served on the boards of several area organizations, including the Girl Scouts of Lake Erie Council, the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, the Bay Village Education Foundation, the Bay Village Foundation, the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, the Cleveland Leadership Center, and as treasurer for the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, and Bay Soccer Club. She was the president for the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation. She is currently on the board for the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils and is an AEP® Accredited Estate Planner. She has been a member of advisory groups for University Hospitals, the Cleveland Orchestra, and Case Western Reserve University. Additionally, she is an active fellow of the American College of Estate and Trust Council, and an Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Council member for the Ohio State Bar Association. Ginger is a frequent speaker on legal and tax issues surrounding charitable giving.
Ginger has been named among the Best Lawyers in America and the Top 50 Female Ohio Super Lawyers List by Law and Politics magazine. She was a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2014. Ginger has received the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's Women in Law Making a Difference and President's Awards, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation's Outstanding Leadership Award, the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland’s 2019 Distinguished Estate Planner Award, and the 2022 Women of Professional Excellence from the YWCA of Greater Cleveland. She graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and earned her juris doctorate from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Leta ObertaczAdvancement
Senior Vice President, Philanthropy
Executive Coordinator: Connie Gilbert, 216.615.7588
Leta Obertacz brings 20 years of fundraising experience to The Cleveland Foundation as the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy. Leading strategy for growth of new donors and stewardship of long-term partners, she has spent her past few months sharing the work of the Foundation in its new storefront location, where philanthropy is accessible to all. Leta most recently served as Director of Advancement for the Cleveland Zoo Society, where she led numerous highly successful fundraising campaigns dedicated to the best quality animal care, education and meaningful guest experiences, including the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve; Bear Hollow; and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Auditorium. In 2022 under Leta's leadership, her team launched the Primate Forest campaign, which, when complete, will result in a 140,000-square-foot world-class destination that will transform and significantly expand the zoo’s rainforest.
Prior to her work at the Zoo Society, Leta spent several years as a fundraising and marketing executive at Career Gear, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide the formerly incarcerated, homeless and veterans with the tools and skills they need to successfully achieve reentry and financial independence.
Leta earned a BA in history with honors from Brown University and a MPA, Pi Alpha Alpha, from Baruch College. She is a co-VP of activities and class officer at Brown. She is also a dedicated community volunteer, serving as the co-VP and Advancement Chair for EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute and the founding Board President for Motogo, a nonprofit that teaches students how to solve problems and build confidence through working on motorcycles. She is a new Board Member at The City Club.
Over the course of her career, Leta has participated in several leadership and professional development programs. She completed Cleveland Leadership Center’s Bridge Builders and Civic Leadership Institute programs and recently participated in the Cleveland Foundation’s Foundations for Philanthropy program. In 2022, she was recognized as one of Cleveland Magazine’s Women of Distinction and in 2021 she was a Soul of Philanthropy nominee.
Leta had the unique opportunity to tour the country as a professional performer with a variety of artists and groups, including the NBA for the Nets. In conjunction, she served as a national dance judge and presented on navigating the performer’s life and living in NYC.
Helen W. Williams, Ph.D.Grantmaking
Vice President, Strategy
Program Coordinator: Analese Chandler-Nieves, 216.615.7192
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 WilsonInformation Systems
Chief of Technology & Platform Solutions
Executive Coordinator: Emma Mobert, 216.615.7141
Leon Wilson joined the foundation in October 2015 as the Chief of Digital Innovation & Chief Information Officer in a dual role capacity. In this dual role, Leon is part of the executive committee and leads the foundation’s Information & Technology Services department, focusing on strategic and transformational use of technology and data within the foundation. Additionally, as the 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,” which includes elevating Greater Cleveland’s position as a major regional smart community and technology innovation hub.
Leon brings more than 25 years of senior-level technology experience to the foundation and our community. Previously, Leon served as the Senior Director of Technology & Data Engagement for the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), advising executive staff, board and advisory committee members and nonprofit and philanthropic leaders across the State of Michigan on technology strategic planning initiatives and investments that would positively impact support, delivery and expansion of the nonprofits’ respective social missions. He is a 2015 Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) Lifetime Achievement Awardee and board member for the Council of Foundation’s Technology Affinity Group, as well as other national and local nonprofit technology-oriented organizations.
Prior to his work at MNA, Leon held numerous internal staff and consulting IT leadership positions with large companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Minnesota, Federal-Mogul Corporation, Chrysler, RR Donnelly, Deluxe Checks, General Mills and the IRS.
Leon holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Michigan State University, an M.S. in Software Engineering from University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and PhD graduate work in Computer Science from Wayne State University. He is a frequent speaker at many nonprofit conferences and a recent adjunct lecturer at the University of Michigan, teaching information technology in the schools of business and public administration. He is a graduate of Leadership Detroit 2015 and also had a distinguished military career with the U.S. Army Reserve, where he was a commissioned Signal officer, earning multiple badges, medals and commendations, along with completing airborne paratrooper and air-assault training.
Lauretta AmanorMarketing & Communications
Events Manager, Program & HQ Engagement
216.615.7181 |
Lauretta Y. Amanor joined The Cleveland Foundation in July 2023 as Events Manager, Program & HQ Events. As the Events Manager, Lauretta is responsible for collaborating with cross-departmental colleagues and the community to conceptualize, plan, and coordinate creative, inspiring, and engaging events, meetings, and experiences in and around our new building and the MidTown collaboration district. Before this role, Lauretta held multiple positions focused on community engagement, capacity building, mentoring, events, and programming.
Lauretta was a Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellow participating in the 2019-2020 cohort. Placed at Invest in Children, Lauretta worked on program planning, contracting, monitoring, and evaluation related to various initiatives, including Step Up to Quality – Universal Pre-K (UPK). She participated in the Cleveland Foundation’s 2022 Foundations of Philanthropy cohort, a program designed to launch individuals into lifelong philanthropy by teaching the skills and strategies to leverage time, talent, and treasure into meaningful impact for our region.
Lauretta earned a bachelor's degree from Ursuline College in Public Relations and Marketing Communications. She went on to earn a Master of Public Administration from Cleveland State University.
Tammi AmataFinance
Assistant Controller
216.615.7599 |
Tammi Amata has shared responsibility over the daily accounting processes of the Finance department. In addition to the day-to-day operations, she manages the month-end closing process, financial statement reporting to donors and supporting organizations, and various other special projects. She also provides guidance and oversight to the fund accounting staff.
Tammi joined the Cleveland Foundation in 2009 as the accounting manager and has more than 15 years of experience in accounting and auditing. Before coming to the foundation, she spent 12 years as an auditor for Ernst & Young in Cleveland with such nonprofit and manufacturing clients as the Cleveland Foundation, RPM International Inc., and American Greetings Corp.
Tammi holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with majors in accounting and finance, from Ashland University and a master’s degree in business administration from Case Western Reserve University. She is also a certified public accountant.
Allison BakerMarketing & Communications
Director, Public Relations and Communications
216.615.7166 |
Allison Baker joined the Cleveland Foundation in January 2024 to oversee the organization’s external and internal communications. She also serves as the primary media contact for the Foundation.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Allison spent eight years in corporate communications at Nestlé USA. As a senior communications manager, she oversaw the strategic communications efforts for the operations (supply chain, procurement and manufacturing) function in the company’s U.S. market. Among her focus areas, Allison worked to further engage frontline team members across the organization and served as the lead communicator for several corporate transformation projects. In a previous Nestlé role, Allison oversaw the development and execution of public relations programs and storytelling for brands across Nestlé USA, while providing communications and media relations counsel to brand managers and division leadership.
Allison brings additional expertise in communications and strategic PR from agency and government roles. She worked across a diverse range of clients while at Cleveland-based Falls & Co. and served in the press office for Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, including as deputy communications director.
Allison earned her B.A. in English/Journalism and Political Science from Miami University, including a semester of academic experience at the university’s Luxembourg campus.
Beyond her professional roles, Allison is actively involved in the community, having served on the boards of organizations such as Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio and Ingenuity Cleveland. She is a 2014 graduate of the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Bridge Builders program. Allison currently serves as a board member for Lakewood Childcare Center.
Victor BarbalatoFinance
Vice President, Real Estate
216.685.2009 |
Victor Barbalato joined the Cleveland Foundation in January 2024. He focuses on strategic opportunities for the Cleveland Foundation to create growth and impact through the alignment of real estate and economic development that benefits the region. This work includes fostering meaningful engagement with community members of the Hough neighborhood to further plans and development resources to build out the 20+ acres of land purchased by the Foundation in Midtown.
Victor has over a decade of experience in architecture, design, and project management. He recently worked as a Project Architect at Vocon Design, where he successfully led the design and execution of complex projects in the commercial and industrial sectors. Victor was the Project Architect for the award-winning 55,000 sq ft Cleveland Foundation HQ and the ongoing 98,000 sq ft Midtown Collaboration Center.
Victor earned a Bachelor of Architecture at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. He is a licensed Architect in Ohio and Oregon.
Karen Bartrum JansenGrantmaking
Senior Grants Coordinator
216.615.7178 |
Karen Bartrum Jansen joined the Cleveland Foundation more than 10 years ago. She currently works in Grants Management, helping donors and grantees through the foundation’s systems and processes. Prior to joining the foundation, Karen worked in various sales and office management roles for a metal broker, a small computer company, and an international plastics manufacturer.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business with a minor in computer information systems from Ohio State University.
Joseph BlackGrantmaking
Program Manager, Racial Equity & Racial Justice Initiatives
216.340.7608 |
Joseph Black is a results-oriented community organizer and philanthropy professional with over a decade of experience leveraging public and private resources. As of February 2023, Joseph assumed the role of the Manager of Racial Equity and Racial Justice (RERJ) Initiatives for the Cleveland Foundation. In this role, Joseph will oversee the Foundation’s grantmaking strategies related to RERJ, which includes the Cleveland Black Futures Fund and other innovative initiatives.
Joseph intends to continue his commitment and connection to the community through his service on the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and the Refresh Collective Board of Directors. Joseph is a proud member of the Neighborhood Leadership Development Program (Cohort VIII), National Urban Fellows (2017), and Cleveland Bridge Builders (2023). Joseph also maintains a leadership role, coordinating the "Reverse Ride Along," a community engagement training program for over 500 law enforcement and medical professionals, designed to improve community/police relations and public safety.
Jourdan BlackburnAdvancement
Philanthropic Coordinator
216.770.7385 |
Jourdan Blackburn joined the Cleveland Foundation in April 2023 as a Philanthropic Coordinator. In her role, Jourdan provides high level support to donors and Philanthropic Advisors by collaborating with the Philanthropic Services Team. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jourdan worked as a Program Manager for Best Buddies Indiana where she worked closely with Indiana schools to start inclusive programs for students with disabilities. Jourdan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Event Planning from Anderson University and recently moved to Cleveland from Indiana.
Darryl BradleyBuilding Operations and Guest Services
Facilities Maintenance Technician
216.615.7150 |
In his role as Facilities Maintenance Technician, Darryl works closely with the Building Operations and Guest Services team. His primary duties include work-order management and reporting, oversight of facilities maintenance, monitoring staff requests, and overall building & curb appeal. He is also responsible for managing third party contractors, monitoring the operations of building systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire suppression, alarm systems, and all other building management systems.
Darryl previously worked in this capacity with the Cleveland Foundation as HQ facilities engineer through our partnership with Signet Real Estate Group (the foundation’s property management company). He was instrumental in opening our HQ in 2023 and worked directly with staff to make their visions a reality in our new space.
Darryl has worked in the property management industry for 25 years, starting as a janitor and working his way up to a manager role, and has experience with both commercial and residential properties. Darryl is a Cleveland native (born and raised) and a graduate of Glenville High School and Cleveland State University, where he earned his accounting degree. He also has an HVAC certification.
When not working, Darryl enjoys spending time with his family, coaching high school sports, and riding motorcycles. Darryl has been coaching in Euclid for 15 years “helping our kids become better youth and helping them stay on the right track.”
Jermaine BrownGrantmaking
Grants Coordinator
216.685.4005 |
Jermaine Brown joined the Cleveland Foundation in August 2024 as a Grants Management Coordinator. In this role, he supports grant applicants and nonprofit partners in establishing and maintaining their grants profile, as well as addressing inquiries related to the grant application, review and award processes. Additionally, Jermaine assists with the administrative functions of grantmaking and scholarship programs, often collaborating with various internal teams across the Cleveland Foundation.
Prior to joining the foundation, Jermaine spent seven years in business sales at Apple, Inc. as an account manager helping businesses and nonprofits in Greater Cleveland with technology planning. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Promotional Communication from Cleveland State University.
Jermaine grew up in the Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood of Cleveland, where his social and academic involvement fostered a deep appreciation for cultural diversity through community engagement and volunteerism. These principles continue to drive his commitment to his work every day.
Annabel BryanGrantmaking
Senior Executive Coordinator
216.615.7177 |
Annabel Bryan joined the foundation in 2004 as a program assistant and supported board-directed and special initiatives for two program directors in Arts and Urban Design and Community Development. She now serves as executive assistant to the Senior Vice President of Program. In this capacity, she provides project and meeting management support to internal and external partners including Board members and senior management. Annabel also coordinates the local nomination and selection process for the American Marshall Memorial Fellows program in partnership with the German Marshall Fund in DC. Her previous experience includes working as an executive assistant at Hyatt Legal Plans and as a research assistant at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University.
Annabel received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Boston University. She currently volunteers in Cleveland schools.
Shanette Buford-BrazzellAdvancement
Philanthropic Advisor
216.685.2003 |
Shanette Buford-Brazzell joined the Cleveland Foundation in December 2022 as a Philanthropic Advisor. In her current role, Shanette focuses on fostering and strengthening relationships with individuals, families, organizations, and corporations by advising and engaging them to achieve their philanthropic goals. Prior to joining the foundation, Shanette served in various roles focused on fundraising and event management in nonprofit and higher education/college athletics. Most recently, she worked as Director, Annual Campaign for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. Other organizations she worked for include Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, United Way of Greater Cleveland, and The Jerome Schottenstein Center/The Ohio State University.
Throughout her career, Shanette has been committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, philanthropy and giving back her professional and personal time to the community. She is currently a board member for WISE Cleveland (Women in Sports and Events), member of Junior League of Cleveland, AFP Cleveland and advisory board member of TJ Carrie Foundation. Shanette has participated in several leadership and professional development programs. Currently, she’s a member of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio’s LeadDIVERSITY. She completed Cleveland Leadership Center’s Civic Leadership Institute program and YWCA Women’s Leadership Institute Bootcamp.
Shanette earned a BA in Journalism and Promotional Communications from Cleveland State University, certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from University of South Florida and certificate in Sports Philanthropy from George Washington University’s School of Business.
Gabi CindricFinance
Finance Executive Coordinator
216.685.2000 |
Gabi joined the Cleveland Foundation in October 2024 as Executive Finance Coordinator. In this role, she supports the Vice Presidents of Real Estate, Investments, and Accounting by managing calendars, preparing presentations, and participating in key projects including the Midtown Collaboration Center, Foundation Headquarters building, and all future development. She also provides backup support to the Finance Operations Associate, working closely with the Chief Growth Officer and CFO. Her duties extend to collaborating with finance-related committees, investment professionals, and external partners, ensuring seamless communication and preparation of materials alongside the Philanthropy team.
Prior to joining the Cleveland Foundation, Gabi built her career in the Hospitality and Events industry, with her most recent experience in Health and Wellness management.
Gabi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Exercise Science from Hiram College and an Event Management Certificate from Cuyahoga Community College. She is also actively involved in her community, serving as a member of the Association of Croatian American Professionals and volunteering with A Special Wish Northeast Ohio.
Katie CollinAdvancement
Director, Philanthropic Strategy
216.770.6523 |
Katie Collin returned to the Cleveland Foundation at the end of July 2024 as the Director, Philanthropic Strategy. In this role she will guide the team that introduces donors, families and organizations to the multitude of philanthropic tools the Foundation has to offer, and partner with the team that works with donors and organizational fund partners to help them achieve their philanthropic objectives. She first served with the Cleveland Foundation from 2016-2019 as a Gift Planning Advisor.
Since graduating from law school, Katie has gained extensive experience at the intersection of the legal, financial and charitable sectors through gift planning, non-cash assets, alternative investments and estate planning roles at Ren, American Endowment Foundation, Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell, LLP, and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She is frequently requested as a speaker and can be found as a recurring guest on Season 2 of Ren’s Philanthropic Insights podcast.
Katie is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, the Northern Ohio Charitable Gift Planners, and the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, where she serves on the membership committee. She is a dedicated community member, currently serving her second term on the board of the Cleveland Public Library Foundation, co-chairing the development committee, and as a member of LakewoodAlive’s development committee in her hometown of Lakewood.
Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts in art history, with minors in economics and Italian language & literature from Smith College, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law. She completed training through the 21/64 Program to provide multigenerational advising, facilitation and engagement, so that multiple generations can work, give and serve together more effectively. Katie received her Certificate for the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments from CAIA in 2023.
Nichole CollinsAdvancement
Philanthropic Strategy Advisor
216.770.7384 |
As a Philanthropic Strategy Advisor, Nichole Collins is responsible for fostering and strengthening relationships with individuals, families and nonprofit organizations seeking to turn their passion into purpose through philanthropy.
Nichole brings more than 15 years of experience to the Cleveland Foundation. Most recently, Nichole was a fundraising consultant with FundTaskIt LLC and Inbloom Consulting. Through this work, she helped organizations build fundraising capacity and increase revenue. She’s also held positions with the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, Cleveland Zoological Society, the national office of the United Church of Christ, and the Intergenerational Schools. Nichole is a fundraising strategist with a strong track record of exceeding fundraising goals. She’s implemented several fundraising initiatives, worked on multi-million-dollar campaigns, developed data management systems, and led cross-functional teams to launch national initiatives.
Nichole believes in using her gifts in service to the community. She is on the board of Enlightened Solutions, chairs the FutureLand Community Builders Sub-Committee, serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals IDEA Committee, and is a CollegeNow Mentor.
Alongside a Bachelor of Arts from Case Western Reserve University and a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University, Nichole is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
Brenda CumminsAdvancement
Director, Philanthropic Services
216.615.7158 |
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 is a certified trainer in Family Philanthropy through 21/64. She is a Stokes Fellow through the Advanced Leadership Institute of the Cleveland Leadership Center and a graduate of Leadership Akron. She has served on the boards of several area non-profits, including Friends of 91.3 The Summit , Summit ArtSpace, Greenleaf Family Center and the Peninsula Foundation. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Northeast Ohio Planned Giving Council.
Kendra DavisMarketing & Communications
Director, Integrated Marketing
216.685.2039 |
Kendra Davis joined the Cleveland Foundation in 2024 as the director of integrated marketing – responsible for executing the Foundation’s digital brand and marketing strategies. She has expertise managing marketing and communications campaigns for consumer, B2B, public and independent schools, and nonprofit brands.
Kendra is a two-time Kent State University graduate with a B.S. and M.A. in journalism and mass communication specializing in public relations. She is also among a mere two percent of PR professionals who have their APR, an accreditation that demonstrates a profound understanding of PR ethics, research, strategy, and measurable objectives.
Luke DentonFinance
Senior Accountant
216.615.7157 |
Luke Denton joined the Cleveland Foundation in May 2019 as a member of the Finance team. In his role as an accountant, Luke supports the controller and assistant controller with the month-end closing process, financial statement preparation and various other areas. He brings 12 years of nonprofit accounting experience with a focus on financial reporting and budgeting. In his previous position, he remotely managed the accounting records for numerous churches and religious nonprofits across the country. Luke also serves as a board member and secretary of his family’s private foundation.
Luke holds a Master of Science in accounting from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and a Bachelor of Arts in finance from Anderson University (Indiana).
Vince DiNunzioInformation Systems
Senior Technology Support Analyst
216.615.7169 |
Vince DiNunzio began working at The Cleveland Foundation as a consultant in 2014 for a year and then joined the foundation staff in 2016. He provides a high level of desktop support to foundation staff while also helping to drive helpdesk management and training initiatives that are a part of the overall IT strategy.
At his previous job, he supported a large portfolio of clients while assisting with the management of the ticketing system and the company Wiki. He also helped with the onboarding of new clients and various other tasks.
Vince graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Information Systems.
Mary Clare DonnellyGrantmaking
Executive Assistant/Program Assistant Coordinator
216.685.4000 | Email Mary Clare
Mary Clare Donnelly joined the Cleveland Foundation in 2004 as a program assistant and now serves as the executive assistant to the vice president, strategic grantmaking, arts & urban design initiatives. She provides advanced administrative support, and included among her duties are coordination and communication with senior management and board members, extensive calendar maintenance, management of various in-house processes, and collaborative work across all departments.
Her prior experience includes various executive administrative positions at IMG, a global sports, fashion, and media business, and in the legal department at Key Bank.
Leslie A. DunfordBuilding Operations and Guest Services
Vice President for Building Operations and Guest Services
216.615.7152 |
Executive Coordinator: Emma Mobert, 216.615.7141
Leslie Dunford manages the foundation's facilities, office services, and risk-management programs, and serves as the executive director of East 66th Street 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 a past board chairperson of the statewide philanthropy-serving organization Philanthropy Ohio, and a former trustee and officer of both Vocational Guidance Services and the Cleveland Leadership Center. She 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.
Leslie earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Gannon University in Pennsylvania.
Terri EasonAdvancement
Senior Director, Philanthropy Equity Initiatives
216.615.7580 |
Terri Bradford Eason is responsible for developing and overseeing the equity initiatives aligned with the foundation’s strategic priorities, as a member of the Advancement Department. Terri is also focused on developing and executing cultivation and fundraising activities that help individuals establish current and deferred philanthropic funds, legacy gifts and charitable giving strategic plans. Additionally, Terri works closely with internal and external partners to identify, create and provide charitable planning options tailored to achieve specific philanthropic goals.
Terri joined the Foundation in October 2008 after gaining two decades of experience in the financial services industry. She had several positions with National City (now PNC) and supported several functions including wealth management, relationship management, new business development, and both private and corporate banking. As director of nonprofit business services, she was responsible for new business development and relationship management of nonprofit and higher education organizations. Throughout her tenure, Terri was dedicated to quality service for which she received the company’s NCC Excel Award for extraordinary client and community service. She also was the recipient of the YWCA Women of Professional Excellence Award, TLOD Status of Women Award, the NCNW Phenomenal Women of Extraordinary Leadership and Service Award and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.’s Woman of Vision award.
Terri has served the nonprofit community as a director on several area nonprofit boards, including Recovery Resources, Junior Achievement, the Women’s City Club Foundation and the Legacy Village Lyndhurst Community Fund Committee. In addition, she is the Former President of the Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®, and Former Chairman of the Alpha Omega Foundation, Incorporated and Former At-Large Director of the AKA Educational Advancement Foundation, Inc. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame College (Board Chair), Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center (Past-Board President), Milestone Autism Resources, Inc., and member of the Board of Trustees for Ohio North First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (Former Board Chairman).
Terri is a member of the National Black MBA Association, Inc., NAACP, Estate Planning Council, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Northern Ohio Charitable Gift Planners Association, Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society, Cleveland Chapter of Links, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (Treasurer). She earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State University.
Daisy EdwardsBuilding Operations and Guest Services
Receptionist & Front Desk Concierge
216.615.7143 |
Daisy Edwards joined the Cleveland Foundation in February 2023 as the Receptionist & Front Desk Concierge. In this role, Daisy is responsible for welcoming and providing exceptional service to foundation guests and visitors in person, on the phone and via email. In addition, she collaborates with the BOGS team and security staff to ensure the safety and well-being of guests. Prior to joining the foundation, Daisy was the Front Desk Receptionist/Office Assistant at The George Gund Foundation, where she provided outstanding hospitality and administrative services. Daisy has over twenty-five years of experience working in various sectors including MAGNET, Dorsky Hodgson Parrish Yue architects, The Annie E. Casey Foundation and local television production at News Channel 5.
Miriam FeghalyFinance
Accountant
216.615.7142 |
Miriam Feghaly joined the Cleveland Foundation in 2022 as an accountant. In her role, Miriam
is responsible for reconciling various bank accounts, analyzing financial records, posting and
reviewing transactions and journal entries, and processing daily gifts. She also assists with the
preparation of audit schedules and financial statements and completes other special projects.
Prior to joining the foundation, Miriam worked as an accounting intern at LibanJus, the leading manufacturer and distributor of juice and ice cream in Lebanon.
Miriam holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting and auditing from the Lebanese University in Beirut, Lebanon.
Miriam is multilingual and can speak English, French and Arabic.
Jackie FitchMarketing & Communications
Integrated Marketing Officer
216.615.7153 |
Jackie Fitch supports external and internal communications by helping plan and execute comprehensive content marketing with a focus on digital media and social media properties. She crafts content that articulates our grantmaking priorities and initiatives and helps tell stories that celebrate the work of our nonprofit partners and the generosity of our donors.
A native Clevelander, Jackie brings more than 15 years of editing and marketing experience to the foundation. Most recently, she served as Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for the Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University where she helped manage the school’s strategic communications and oversaw digital content and website maintenance. Prior to her work with the engineering school, Jackie worked on university publications across multiple schools at Case Western Reserve as an Editor for University Marketing and Communications.
Jackie earned a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a double major in journalism and history, and she went on to earn her Master of Business Administration from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
Anthony GattusoFinance
Vice President, Finance & Treasurer
216.615.7188 |
Anthony Gattuso is responsible for overseeing the successful administration of the foundation’s $2.8 billion investment portfolio, cash management and finance/treasury functions.
He joined the Cleveland Foundation in October 2016. Prior to the Cleveland Foundation, he worked for the Cleveland Clinic Health System as Senior Investment Analyst in the investment office.
Anthony earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Bonaventure University in New York and an MBA from Cleveland State University. In addition to his academic credentials, he is also a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst.
Anthony is currently president of the Cleveland-Pittsburgh Pension, Endowment and Foundation Group and serves on the National Investment Practices Committee for the Finance, Administration & Operations Group for Community Foundations (FAOG).
Adam GeitherBuilding Operations and Guest Services
Director, Building Operations and Guest Services
216.685.2005 |
Adam joined the foundation in September 2019 as Office Services Manager. In this role, Adam is responsible for the oversight of facility operations and a variety of office and security services to ensure the foundation’s office space is efficient, safe, and sustainable.
Prior to his role with the foundation, Adam spent over four years working in professional athletic facility operations. In his most recent role as the Manager of Ballpark & Event Operations with the Pittsburgh Pirates he oversaw the training and management of over 200 employees, ballpark incident management and many of the sustainability efforts at PNC Park.
Adam graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration from Ohio University. He is actively involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Connie GilbertAdvancement
Executive Coordinator
216.615.7588 |
Connie Gilbert (she/hers) joined the Cleveland Foundation in August 2023 as the Executive Coordinator, Philanthropy. In her role, Connie supports the SVP for Philanthropy and the General Counsel/VP for Philanthropy for scheduling, office management, and other support of the Philanthropy team. Prior to joining the foundation, Connie has served in a variety of roles at the Cleveland Institute of Art including administrative support, coordinating key events, and supporting the Board of Directors. She also has experience in higher education areas of Student Affairs, Intercultural Affairs, Wellness & Prevention and Athletics at Grinnell College, and job skills training with the Career Solutions division of Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee. She holds a Master of Business Administration from John Carroll University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and sociology from Ursuline College.
Keisha GonzálezGrantmaking
Senior Director, Social Impact Investing and Economic & Community Development
Administrative Assistant: Ciba Jones 216.615.7184
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.
Andrew GuggenheimFinance
Investment Analyst
216.615.7139 |
Andrew Guggenheim joined the Cleveland Foundation in February 2022 as an Investment Analyst while completing his senior year at Miami University, where he studied Finance and Sustainability. In his coursework, he learned much about the complex interactions between society and nature, and he received robust instruction from the Farmer School of Business. At the Cleveland Foundation he works closely with the Finance team to conduct research and analyses related to the foundation's endowment. He also performs manager due diligence and oversight on social impact investing. Before joining the foundation, he worked as a Construction Apprentice on home remodels in the Greater Cleveland area.
Anna HaddadHuman Resources
Total Rewards & HRIS Director
216.770.7387 |
Anna Haddad joined the Cleveland Foundation in November 2022. Prior to joining the foundation, Anna served in various roles focused on project and supply chain management for large global for-profit companies. Most recently, she worked as Transportation Systems Manager for Fortune Brands Home Security (Moen). Prior to that, Anna spent ten years at Henkel, Adhesives Division.
Throughout her career, Anna has been committed to community service, a passion that has inspired her to make a career change that allows her to work in the nonprofit sector and dedicate her professional and personal time to the community. She is currently a volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. Anna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College in 2002 (now Baldwin Wallace University).
Katherine HallAdvancement
Associate, Legal Affairs
216.340.7619 |
Katherine Hall joined the Cleveland Foundation in September 2022. In her role as Legal Affairs Associate, she provides legal support to the Advancement team. Prior to joining the foundation, Katherine held diverse roles that leveraged her background in law and journalism, including working as a corporate and employment law attorney in Chicago and serving as communications manager at one of Cleveland’s largest law firms. Katherine has volunteered with several organizations, including The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, and iMentor, a group that matches high school students with committed college-educated mentors to guide them on their journey to college graduation. She is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and is admitted to practice law in Ohio and Illinois. She graduated with highest distinction from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and earned her J.D. from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, where she served as Executive Editor of the Indiana Journal of Law and Social Equality.
Kathleen HallisseyGrantmaking
Vice President, Grantmaking
Executive Assistant: Mary Clare Donnelly 216.685.4000
Kathleen Hallissey 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.
Bridget HawesAdvancement
Philanthropic Strategy Advisor
216.340.7545 |
Bridget Hawes joined the Cleveland Foundation in January 2023 as a Philanthropic Advisor, primarily focusing on fostering and strengthening relationships with individuals, families, organizations and corporations to help them fulfill their charitable giving goals.
Bridget brings nearly 20 years of fundraising and nonprofit experience to the Cleveland Foundation, most recently serving as Development Director at Cuyahoga County Public Library with a primary focus on major gifts and capital development.
From 2011-2018, Bridget served as a major gift consultant with Cuyahoga County Public Library, leading CCPL’s first major capital campaign. Of the $110 million capital development program, Bridget reached the fundraising goal of raising $10 million from Cleveland area individual donors, foundations and corporations, resulting in the renovation/new construction of 18 of CCPL’s 27 branches.
In 2019, Bridget was hired as Senior Development Specialist at CCPL and within six months was promoted to Development Director. During that time, Bridget expanded the development department to a team of five, responsible for fundraising in support of the CCPL Foundation, Library operations and programs through donations, grants, events, planned giving and capital donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and government supporters.
Bridget graduated from Ohio University with a B.S. in Health Services Administration and a minor in Business Administration. In addition, she is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, board of trustees for the Bay Village Foundation, and member of the Bay Village Anti-Racism Network.
Michael HoodFinance
Senior Manager, Real Estate and Community Development
216.615.4004 |
Michael Hood joined the Cleveland Foundation in October 2020 as an Accountant after running for the United States House of Representatives for Ohio’s 11th congressional district. In his current role as Accountant, Mike supports grant and scholarship funding, gift processing and other general functions. Prior to joining the foundation, Mike served as site manager at the nation’s oldest public housing estate, Outhwaite Homes, for the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority as part of his continued efforts to create positive change in Greater Cleveland. With years of experience in public accounting throughout New York’s tri-state area and Northeast Ohio, Mike’s aim is to use his professional knowledge for the benefit of community.
Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Mount Saint Mary College.
Melissa HuberMarketing & Communications
Marketing & Events Manager
216.615.7140 |
Melissa Huber joined the Cleveland Foundation in March 2019. She provides administrative and special event support for the Marketing & Communications team.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Melissa worked in development at Cleveland Public Theatre and in marketing at American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco), Cleveland Play House, and the Almeida Theatre (London). She holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Denison University and a master’s degree in Arts Policy and Management from Birkbeck, University of London.
Pamela JaffeFinance
Finance Operations Associate
216.615.7183 |
Pamela Jaffe joined the Cleveland Foundation in 2002. In her current role she provides executive level assistance and management support to the foundation’s senior vice president and chief financial officer. She works to meet the needs of the finance team; investment, audit and finance and administration committee members; investment managers and external constituents. She previously worked on the executive team serving as assistant corporate secretary for the foundation where she oversaw the foundation’s e-governance software and provided administrative support to the foundation’s board of directors.
Pamela serves on the board of the Legacy Village Charitable Fund and is secretary of the Medical Mutual of Ohio Charitable Foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with a certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin.
Donna JohnsonExecutive Office
Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
216.615.7168 |
Donna Johnson, who joined the foundation in 2006, is executive assistant to Lillian Kuri. She provides administrative support, oversees department operations, and handles special projects.
Donna has more than 25 years of administrative experience in the nonprofit and community development sectors. Prior to joining the foundation, Donna served as an executive director for a nonprofit community arts organization. She has worked as a consultant for nonprofit arts organizations providing grant writing and project management services. Donna also worked at ShoreBank, Cleveland, and in the development department of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Donna is a graduate of John Hay High School and attended Bowling Green State University.
Jasmine JohnsonFinance
Finance Associate
216.615.7004 |
Jasmine Johnson joined the Cleveland Foundation in May 2024 as a Finance Associate. In her role, she is responsible for various tasks related to general accounting and bookkeeping in the Finance Department, including accounts payable, 1099 process, grant distribution, budget updates, and other special projects as needed. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jasmine worked for over six years as a Data and Billing Specialist at Beech Brook, a nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health services to children and families across the Greater Cleveland area. She brings a wealth of experience in managing billing procedures and maintaining accurate financial records. Jasmine has excelled academically and is currently working towards her CPA at Cleveland State University.
Ciba JonesGrantmaking
Program Coordinator
216.615.7184 |
Ciba “CJ” Jones is the program coordinator for community-responsive grantmaking and two program officers. CJ joined the foundation in August 2003. Prior to that, she was the human resources coordinator for the Benjamin Rose Institute’s administrative office.
CJ received a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University, an artistic diploma in theory from the Royal College of Music, and an artistic diploma in performance from the Julliard School.
Sharonda Kane-JacksonHuman Resources
Talent Management & Acquisition Manager
216.615.7598 |
Sharonda Kane-Jackson joined the foundation in 2021 and currently serves as the Talent Management & Acquisition Manager in Human Resources. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in managing the talent lifecycle. She leads talent acquisition and recruitment strategies, develops, and coordinates impactful training and development programs, and enhances the overall employee experience.
Sharonda brings over 20 years of experience in administration and project management within the nonprofit and education sectors. Her extensive background has equipped her with the skills necessary to support the foundation's mission and vision, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in promoting positive social change.
Sharonda is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business studies with a concentration in Human Resources at Cleveland State University. She has an Associate Degree in Applied Science and Business Information Systems and has advanced her education with courses in technology management and human resources at DeVry University.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sharonda is deeply committed to community service. She has volunteered as an ambassador for the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, served as a board member for Hope United Church, and continues to mentor small business owners and entrepreneurs through SCORE Cleveland.
Diane KaszeiGrantmaking
Director, Grants Management
216.615.7167 |
Diane Kaszei has been with the foundation since 1990. She was promoted to grants manager in 2004 when the foundation centralized its grantmaking. Prior to that, Diane worked in the Gift Planning and Donor Relations Department helping donors with grantmaking and as an assistant in the civic and economic development program area.
Diane holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Myers University.
Andrew KatusinGrantmaking
Director of Community Philanthropy
216.615.7146 |
Andrew Katusin joined the Cleveland Foundation in August 2021 as the Program Officer, Grantmaking Initiatives, where he oversees various investments across the nonprofit sector in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga Counties. Prior to joining the Foundation, Andrew served as the Director of Basic Needs at United Way of Greater Cleveland and managed the organization’s responsive grantmaking in the areas of housing, homeless services, and food access. In addition, he supported the Community Investment team’s special projects including Right to Counsel and the Family Stability Initiative.
Andrew is a Licensed Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Science Administration from the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. Andrew serves on the Community Advisory Council for the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency and volunteers with the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation in his neighborhood.
Ellen KoonceBuilding Operations and Guest Services
Venue and Guest Services Associate
216.615.7144 |
Ellen joined the Building Operations and Guest Services team of the Cleveland Foundation in 2015 as the organization’s receptionist. In the fall of 2016, Ellen assumed the role of Administrative Services Coordinator, and in summer 2019, she assumed the role of Office Services Coordinator. She is responsible for office space mapping technology and provides oversight on daily maintenance issues, serves as liaison with building maintenance and is responsible for the implementation of a broad range of office services in addition to the operation of the Steven A. Minter Conference Center.
Prior to her assignment at the foundation, Ellen worked for 12 years at the Cleveland Housing Network, most recently as the Administrative Program Manager. In this role, she was responsible for the coordination of support services for low-income programs serving over 28,000 customers as well as the oversight of the programs’ $21.5 million budget.
Ellen studied business administration at David N. Myers College and earned a certificate in customer service management facilitation from Kent State University. She is also a certified notary public.
Colleen KowalskiMarketing & Communications
Social Media Manager
216.685.2018 |
Colleen Kowalski joined the Cleveland Foundation in September 2024 as the Social Media Manager. In her current role on the Marketing & Communications team, Colleen manages the social media accounts for the Cleveland Foundation and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. Colleen has a decade of experience in digital marketing, specializing in content creation, social media marketing, brand management, and event planning across various industries, including B2B, hospitality, and professional business services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Promotional Communications and Marketing from Cleveland State University. Outside of work, Colleen volunteers her time at Playhouse Square.
Emily LammersMarketing & Communications
Strategic Communications Officer
216.615.7173 |
Emily Lammers joined the Cleveland Foundation in January 2016 as a Marketing & Communications Coordinator after serving as an intern with the Marketing & Communications team from June 2014 – December 2015. In her current role as Executive Communications officer, Emily serves as the primary creator of written content on behalf of the Cleveland Foundation, including the writing and editing of executive speeches and talking points as well as content for print, online, and other media. Prior to joining the foundation, Emily supported admissions and enrollment operations at John Carroll University and served as an intern at Case Western Reserve University and the Western Reserve Historical Society.
Emily holds a Master of Business Administration from John Carroll University and a bachelor’s degree in art history with a minor in Spanish also from John Carroll University.
Christine LawsonFinance
Senior Accountant
216.615.7587 |
Christine Lawson joined the foundation in 2001 and is responsible for overseeing accounts payable and 1099 reporting, the funding of grant requests, and the creation of quarterly board financials.
Previously she worked at Alltel Communications in the finance department, monitoring and creating reports for the collections department.
Christine holds a bachelor's degree in business, with a concentration in finance, from Colorado State University.
Courtney LehmannExecutive Office
Board Administration Coordinator & Corporate Secretary
216.615.7172 |
Courtney Lehmann joined the Cleveland Foundation in March 2020 as Board Governance & Executive Office Assistant. In her role, Courtney supports the Chief of Staff with the overall management of administrative processes related to the foundation board of directors and board standing committee meetings. In addition, Courtney assists the Senior Executive Assistant by providing administrative support to the executive team of the foundation. Prior to joining the foundation, Courtney served as Office Manager and as the official liaison to the board of directors at Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo).
Courtney holds a Paralegal Certificate from Columbus State Community College and bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in political science from Eastern Michigan University.
Katherine M. LeParAdvancement
Manager, Legal Affairs
216.615.7161 |
Kathy LePar is part of the Advancement team of the Cleveland Foundation and is responsible for processing new gifts, supporting the setup of new funds, preparing fund agreements and charitable gift documents, and serving as a liaison with the Finance team and other cross-disciplinary teams.
Kathy has more than 30 years of experience in the legal profession with specific expertise in the areas of estate planning, probate administrations, and asset liquidation. Before joining the foundation in September 2012, Kathy spent 13 years as a paralegal with the firm of Behm & Henry, LLC. Prior to that, Kathy spent nine years as a legal assistant/paralegal with Bowlus & Bowlus, Ltd. During her employment with Bowlus & Bowlus, Kathy also provided paralegal support for a number of years to Sara J. Sherick, Esq., and Roger W. Hafford, Esq., in the area of probate administrations.
Kathy is currently working toward obtaining her certified paralegal designation from the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Calvin LewisInformation Systems
Director, IT Infrastructure and Operations
216.615.7175 |
Calvin Lewis joined the foundation in July 2016 as Director, IT Infrastructure and Operations. In this role, Calvin collaborates with the Chief Technology & Information Officer to develop and implement the strategic technology direction for the foundation to support, facilitate and enhance the foundation’s overall strategic plan.
Calvin brings more than 15 years of professional IT experience to the foundation, including networking, infrastructure, SQL and operations systems. In his most recent role as IT Manager, Enterprise Network Services for Forest City Enterprises, he was responsible for resource planning, technical leadership, management, cost center ownership and the complete operation of a network consisting of approximately 165 sites distributed across the US, including their corporate headquarters.
Prior to his work at Forest City, Calvin served as Lead Systems Engineer for Progressive Insurance, where he was responsible for leading and supporting technical infrastructure and platforms that supported their business systems. This included providing technical leadership in evaluating, implementing and maintaining complex systems and hardware/software components.
Calvin earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology, graduating Magna Cum Laude, from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio.
Stephen LoveGrantmaking
Program Director, Environmental Initiatives
Stephen Love joined the Foundation in 2014 as part of the community responsive grantmaking team. In this capacity, Stephen also managed the Foundation’s Summer Internship Program and oversaw implementation of the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship. In 2018, Stephen became the Foundation’s Environment Program Officer, overseeing development of an Environmental Grantmaking strategy, including efforts to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the parks and greenspaces we enjoy by supporting policies and practices that link environmental protection, climate action, health, equity and economic prosperity.
Prior to joining the foundation in 2014, Stephen worked for the Cuyahoga Land Bank, researching and compiling property data for vacant property reuse opportunities as part of the President’s Special Projects team. Additionally, he served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, focusing on neighborhood stabilization and urban agriculture projects. Stephen founded a volunteer beach cleanup and advocacy effort directed at improving Euclid Beach Park. Previously, he served on the board of directors of the Cleveland Lakefront Conservancy and the Northeast Shores Development Corporation.
Nicholas MazzoccaFinance
Investment Analyst
216.615.7189 |
Nick Mazzocca joined the Cleveland Foundation in February 2023 as an Investment Analyst. In his role, Nick works with the Finance team to research market conditions, support due-diligence efforts, and provide oversight of the Flagship Portfolio. He will also be the principal contact for external broker and advisor relationships. Prior to joining the Foundation, Nick worked as Brokerage Operations Manager for a Bank & Trust company in the Toledo area. Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in Statistics-Actuarial Science from the University of Akron, where he was a Summa Cum Laude graduate. He also received his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses during his time in the brokerage business.
Colleen McCaugheyGrantmaking
Grants Coordinator
216.615.7151 |
Colleen McCaughey joined the Cleveland Foundation in August 2021 as a Grants Coordinator. In her role, she supports the Program team and external grantee partners to facilitate the grantmaking process. Prior to joining the Foundation, Colleen spent six years at Cleveland Public Theatre as a core member of their Development team, primarily managing institutional giving.
Originally from Hudson, Ohio, Colleen has worked across Northeast Ohio as a stage manager, performer, and singer. Most recently, she served as the Production Stage Manager for Working Theater’s 2020 national virtual tour of Leila Buck’s “American Dreams.” From 2013-2015, she worked in New York City as a stage manager for various theatre companies including The Play Company, The Flea Theater, and Lincoln Center, while serving as the Administrative Associate for Dixon Place Theater. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in both Theatre and Political Science from Allegheny College.
Jamie McGuireInformation Systems
Business Systems Analyst
216.615.7031 |
Jamie McGuire joined the Information Systems team in 2007. In her current role, she supports staff with business processes and analytical reporting.
Jamie brought more than two decades of experience to the foundation, having previously worked at British Petroleum and as a custom-software developer for a variety of small- to medium-sized businesses in the Cleveland area.
Danielle MihalceaAdvancement
Research Associate
216.615.7174 |
Dani Mihalcea joined the Cleveland Foundation in May 2022 as a Research Associate. In her role, Dani serves as the main researcher for both the philanthropy team, and across various departments, to strengthen relationships with donors and cultivate potential prospects. Prior to joining the foundation, Dani served as a Research Analyst at Scherzer International, where she conducted high-level due diligence on individuals and companies to maintain clearance and compliance. She also has experience in market research, data analysis, and finance.
Dani holds both a Master of Arts in International Relations and Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Science from Cleveland State University. She is currently pursuing her second graduate degree in the Master of Arts in Public Administration program at Cleveland State University, expected to graduate in Spring 2025.
In addition, Dani serves as a community volunteer and advocate. She is currently a board member for the Ohio Prospect Research Network and also sits on the Young Professional Advisory Council for the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.
Emma MobertBuilding Operations and Guest Services, Human Resources, Information Systems
Executive Coordinator
216.615.7141 |
Emma Mobert joined the Cleveland Foundation in July 2023 as an Executive Coordinator. In her current role, she provides advanced executive-level administrative, project, and event support to the Human Resources, Building Operations & Guest Services, and Information Technology Services teams.
Emma brings administrative and project management experience from her previous role as an Administrative Coordinator at the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Northeast Ohio. She entered the nonprofit sector as a CARES Rent Assistance Advocate at Lorain County Community Action Agency in 2020. Emma earned an Associate of Applied Science in Public Administration at Lorain County Community College (LCCC). She is now studying for an associate of applied business in human resources management and plans to continue her education with LCCC’s partnership with Cleveland State University.
Stephanie MolnarGrantmaking
Program Manager, Leadership Development
216-685-4009 |
As Program Officer, Stephanie provides support for the planning, implementation, and management of the foundation’s programs focused on community leadership and development, including the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship and Summer Internship Programs, scholarships, and Encore Cleveland.
Stephanie joined the foundation as a summer intern in 2016, first supporting Greater Cleveland Volunteers. She then interned with the foundation's Community Responsive Grantmaking team, helping plan and manage the Summer Internship and Public Service Fellowship programs.
Stephanie is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration as well as a certificate in nonprofit management at Cleveland State University. She earned her bachelor of science in education from Kent State University. She is a former teacher and two-term AmeriCorps Alumna, having served with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, Florida, and Notre Dame Mission Volunteers in Washington, D.C.
Valerie MorelandFinance
Property Management Accountant
216.615.7191 |
Valerie Moreland joined the foundation in August 2013 as a member of the Finance Team and has more than 15 years experience in Finance and Accounting.
For the past 15 years, Valerie has served in a similar role at Community United Head Start, a non-profit organization committed to educating and working with families of greater Cleveland to provide a safe and positive learning environment to its children.
Valerie received her Associate of Applied Business from Cuyahoga Community College and plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Chris NierstheimerBuilding Operations and Guest Services
Manager, Venue and Guest Services
216.685.2002 |
As the new Venue Manager at the Cleveland Foundation, Chris Nierstheimer brings a wealth of project management and hospitality management experience into the role. With a strong background in overseeing operations, projects, and events, Chris is dedicated to ensuring that each event or meeting is a resounding success. Before joining the Cleveland Foundation, Chris gained project management experience in multifamily housing and worked with renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and Ritz-Carlton, both domestically and internationally. Chris recently earned his Project Management Professional certification in April, and holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Ohio University.
Kathy ParkerFinance
Vice President, Accounting and Controller
216.615.7180 |
Kathy Parker oversees the foundation's accounting, audit, tax, and reporting activities. She is also responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department.
Kathy joined the foundation in January 1990 as an accountant. Since then, she has held positions of increasing responsibility including senior accountant, accounting manager, and her current role, which she assumed in 1999.
Kathy is a member of the Fiscal and Administrative Officers Group for Community Foundations and a past recipient of the YWCA's Women of Professional Excellence award. She serves as treasurer of the Cleveland Chinese Christian Church and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, with a concentration in accounting, from Cleveland State University.
Zaija PelligreeGrantmaking
Program Coordinator
Zaija Pelligree joined the Cleveland Foundation in May 2021 as a Program Coordinator. In this role, she provides administrative and project support to Stephen Love, Program Manager for Environmental Initiatives, and other program staff as assigned in alignment with their strategic initiatives.
Before joining the foundation, Zaija worked as Urban Programs Coordinator at Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC), where she provided coordination and support for all urban program areas, including land banks, community forestry, property inventory initiatives and vacant land redevelopment.
Zaija has great passion for urban greening and community organizing. In addition to her academic and professional experience, she also volunteered with World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms in Costa Rica, and currently serves as a Council Appointed Member of South Euclid Tree Commission as well as Board Vice President of Organic Connections Inc.
Zaija graduated magna cum laude from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Environmental Studies and Urban Studies with a minor in Sustainable Development.
Nate PetznickInformation Systems
Information Systems Analyst
216.615.7597 |
Nate Petznick joined The Cleveland Foundation in March 2018 as an Information Systems Analyst. He is responsible for The Cleveland Foundation’s OnBase Enterprise Content Management Software. He works with internal staff leveraging the software to its fullest by incorporating it into The Cleveland Foundation’s day to day operations.
In his previous role, Nate spent 7 ½ years working on an ECM team at Quadax. Quadax implements OnBase to hospitals and laboratories throughout the United States. His responsibilities included developing and implementing capture solutions for various clients and assisting in the design, installation, and troubleshooting of an effective solution.
Nate earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Bowling Green State University. He is also an OnBase Certified Installer and a Certified Document Imaging Architect. As a lifelong resident of Cleveland, Nate enjoys raising his family in the Northeast Ohio.
Laura PolachekAdvancement
Philanthropy Services Coordinator
216.615.7591 |
Laura Polachek joined the Cleveland Foundation as a Philanthropy Services Coordinator in October 2024. In this role, Laura provides high-level administrative and technical support to the Philanthropic Services team, ensuring exceptional donor and fund services. Prior to joining the Foundation, Laura spent seven years in corporate philanthropy at The Sherwin-Williams Company and more than ten years with the American Cancer Society in a variety of development positions. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with an English minor from Bowling Green State University.
Aaron RoseInformation Systems
Technology Support Analyst
216.340.7572 |
Aaron joined the Cleveland Foundation in September 2022 as a Technology Support Analyst. Aaron hopes to use his past experiences and skillset to make a helpful difference at The Cleveland Foundation. Prior to joining the foundation, Aaron got his start professionally in information technology through Lake Health Hospital Systems, and later at CHN Housing Partners. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater, with a minor in Music, from Baldwin Wallace University.
Nicole RosenbaumGrantmaking
Program Officer, Workforce Development & Talent Cultivation
216.615.7165 |
Nicole Rosenbaum joined the Cleveland Foundation in December 2022 as a Program Officer for Workforce Development & Talent Cultivation. In her current role, Nicole is responsible for addressing talent attraction and retention challenges and opportunities in the Greater Cleveland area to support equitable economic growth.
Prior to joining the foundation, Nicole managed a competitive grant through the Department of Labor. In that capacity, Nicole engaged local employer partners and nontraditional sources of talent to design and implement pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship models of education and on-the-job-training to increase employment, academics, and retention deliverables in Cuyahoga County.
Nicole started her professional career as a second-grade teacher in the Cleveland community. Nicole currently holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Urban Studies from the University of Pittsburgh with a certification in women and gender studies.
Cierra SantayBuilding Operations and Guest Services
Building Operations Associate
216.770.7389 |
Cierra Santay joined the Cleveland Foundation in July 2023 as a Guest Services Coordinator. Cierra earned an Associate of Arts from Lakeland Community College and both a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Cleveland State University. She has several years of experience in non-profit institutions that emphasize safety & security, events support and general hospitality. Her work is rooted in her time at the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (moCa), where she engaged with visitors and provided gallery tours, assisted with programs, and ensured the safety of the art. In her current role, she provides essential hospitality services to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for staff and visitors.
Kevin ScanlonInformation Systems
Director of IT Systems & Information
216.370.4627 |
Kevin Scanlon joined the foundation in March 2017 as the Director of IT Systems & Information. Kevin partners with the CTIO to develop and implement the foundation’s technology strategy and is responsible for the foundation’s ERP, ECM, Intranet, and Office software systems. He collaborates internally to improve and increase operational effectiveness while also ensuring the foundation is a technology leader.
Kevin brings more than 20 years' of increasing IT responsibility of the design, development, deployment, and support of enterprise business applications across many industries. In his most recent role as Director of Credit Technology & Strategy at Signet, the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry, Kevin managed systems for over 1,400 employees in the Customer Care, Authorizations, and Recovery departments and conceptualized a multiyear technology plan. He also created and directed an innovative department infrastructure that translated business objectives into system-driven solutions to support the strategy and management of a $1.9 billion Accounts Receivable. Prior to this role, he managed Signet's HR, AP, Payroll, and Merchandising software during his tenure with the company.
Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has managed software packages in the manufacturing industry, insurance industry, and retail industry while living in Cuyahoga County. Kevin is raising his family, continuing his career, and planted his roots in Cleveland, which he is pleased to call home.
Carol ScheuerInformation Systems
Senior Business Systems Analyst
216.615.7198 |
Carol Scheuer began working at the foundation as a consultant in the fall of 2012 and joined the foundation staff a year later. Carol is responsible for the analysis, design, development, and implementation of both applications and reports that enhance the business processes of the Cleveland Foundation.
Previously, Carol spent more than 14 years providing technical support for a variety of for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she served as a technology coordinator and also a teacher at Menlo Park Academy. She received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Arts in the same subject from Smith College. She is an active volunteer with her children's school.
Brittany SchultzAdvancement
Philanthropic Advisor
216.685.2004 |
Brittany Schultz joined the Foundation in 2017 and focuses on cultivating and strengthening relationships with individuals, families, and organizations to help them achieve their philanthropic goals.
Prior to joining the Cleveland Foundation, Brittany worked at JumpStart Inc. as a Traffic and Events Specialist where she managed marketing projects as well as event planning initiatives including their annual meeting, Startup Scaleup. Brittany served as the Assistant Director, Cleveland Project with Horizon Education Centers where she developed and managed five after-school programs and site coordinators of programs. Brittany has been actively involved with the Cleveland International Film Festival since 2012 and works as an Operations Assistant Manager during the festival.
Brittany holds a Master of Arts from Carnegie Mellon University in Literary and Cultural Studies and received her Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University in English with a concentration on Film Studies and Professional Writing. In addition to her work in the nonprofit sector, Brittany is actively involved in the community, volunteering her time and talent to support initiatives around Cleveland. She serves as an employee member of the Engage! Cleveland Board and is volunteering with Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce on their Summer Soiree Committee.
Kirby SuntalaGrantmaking
Associate Director, Grants Management
216.685.2017 |
Kirby Suntala provides administrative support to the Program, Advancement and Finance teams, as well as external grantee partners, to structure and coordinate workflow and communication around the grantmaking process.
Prior to joining the Foundation’s Program team in August 2019, Kirby served Cleveland’s youth and families as Rainey Institute’s Administrative Assistant, where he carried out registration, marketing, proposal writing, and business development functions for the community arts center. While at Rainey, Kirby also served as Graduate Assistant to the Director of the Master of Public Administration Program at Cleveland State’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. There he analyzed and coded emergency communications by state and local officials across several social media platforms.
Kirby holds a Master of Public Administration and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Nonprofit Administration & Urban Studies from Cleveland State University. Alongside his work in the nonprofit sector, Kirby is passionate about the arts and is an actively performing musician in the community.
Kathryn TerrellGrantmaking
Program Officer, Health & Human Services
216.685.2007 |
Kate Terrell joined the Cleveland Foundation in June 2019 and currently serves as a Program Officer focusing on projects related to health and human services. Prior to joining the Foundation, Kate spent nearly a decade working with and for out-of-school time programs across Cleveland where she focused on leveraging education, outreach, and direct service provision in order to promote well-being for youth and families. Most recently, she coordinated fund development and evaluation design for the Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance, an organization that provides outreach and case management services to at-risk and gang-involved youth. Kate began her career in the classroom where she taught literature, journalism, and creative writing to high school students.
Kate holds a Master of Science in Urban Studies with a concentration in Public Policy from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Science in Integrated English Language Arts with a concentration in Cultural Studies and Public Life from Miami University. She is an involved and active community member and currently serves on the board of Twelve Literary Arts and the Junior League of Cleveland.
Bronlynn ThurmanGrantmaking
Program Officer
216.685.4001 |
Bronlynn Thurman joined the Cleveland Foundation in July 2024 as a Program Officer on the responsive grantmaking team. In her role, she works to advance the foundation’s strategic priorities through the review and assessment of grant inquiries across a broad range of issue areas, including arts and culture, the environment, physical and mental health, and education. Prior to joining the Foundation, Bronlynn worked as a program officer at GAR Foundation focusing on equitable community development and arts in education.
Bronlynn holds a Master of Science in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management - UXD and a bachelor’s degree in advertising with a double minor in marketing and psychology from Kent State University. She is an Ashé Leaders Fellow and alumni of Torchbearers.
Bronlynn serves on the boards of several area nonprofits and commissions, including the Greater Ohio Policy Center, Akron 200, the City of Akron’s Planning Commission and Akron’s Bicentennial Commission. She has received the Archbishop Hoban One Hope-One Dream award, Greater Akron Chamber’s 30 For the Future, and the NASW Ohio Region 2 Public Citizen of the Year award. In 2021, she co-founded Black Women Explore, an outdoor recreation group centering Black and Brown women/femme-identifying people. In her free time, she is an avid cyclist and visual artist.
Darlene ToneyGrantmaking
Program Officer, Youth & Human Services
216.615.7584 |
Darlene Toney joined the Cleveland Foundation in August 2019 and currently serves as a Program Officer focusing on projects related to Youth and Human Services. Prior to joining the Foundation, Darlene spent many years dedicated to serving Cleveland area youth and families, most recently as a Community Resource Manager with College Now Greater Cleveland. As Community Resource Manager she partnered with community organizations to align community, school, and family resources to eliminate the barriers of student development and post-secondary success. Throughout her career she has developed and championed programs and strategies that engage youth and families to participate in the academic process, out of school time enrichment and leadership development activities that advance the whole child. Darlene earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kent State University and her Masters of Public Administration from Cleveland State University, with a graduate certificate of nonprofit administration and leadership.
Tressa TroddenMarketing & Communications
Events Manager, Philanthropy & VIP
216.615.7182 |
Tressa Trodden joined the Cleveland Foundation in March 2022 as the Advancement Events Manager. In this role Tressa is responsible for executing cultivation and stewardship events for donors, prospects, and professional advisors of the foundation.
Tressa brings more than 14 years of event management experience to the foundation. Prior to joining the Cleveland Foundation, Tressa worked as the Event and Annual Fund Manager with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, where she was responsible for ensuring the successful execution of fundraising events and annual fund program. Prior to her role at the Rape Crisis Center, Tressa was the Event Coordinator at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.
Tressa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing at John Carroll University.
Jason WeinerAdvancement
Philanthropic Advisor
216.615.7590 |
Jason Weiner joined the Cleveland Foundation’s Philanthropy Team in 2017 where he works to foster and strengthen relationships with individuals, families, corporations and nonprofit organizations seeking to impact the causes and issues they care most about through philanthropy. He is also a certified 21/64 facilitator in family philanthropy.
Jason received his BA and MA degrees, both in Sociology, from Cleveland State University. For more than two decades, Jason has worked to improve the lives of greater Clevelanders as an educator, a fundraiser, and a volunteer. After teaching Sociology courses at Cleveland State, he embarked on a career in philanthropy, learning about grant making as an intern with The George Gund Foundation, and raising funds for the Cleveland Food Bank, the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, University Settlement and Beck Center for the Arts before joining the Philanthropy team at the Foundation.
As a volunteer, Jason serves as a member of the Community Engagement Committee with Beck Center for the Arts, as an Advisory Committee Member with H2O (a middle-and-high school student service learning program based in Lakewood), a member of the Ohio State Legal Services Association's Development Committee, and as a Trustee with the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation and LakewoodAlive. Jason also co-facilitates the Council on Foundation’s Values Aligned Philanthropy Peer Learning Circle. He is also the founder of his block club, and of the “All You Need Is Love (and food)" event, which annually raises critical dollars for hunger relief work taking place in Lakewood. Jason lives in Lakewood with his wife and two children, and plays drums with The George Martins, a Cleveland-based Beatles cover band.
Joyce WilsonInformation Systems
Records Technician
216.615.7149 |
Joyce Wilson joined the foundation in 2004 and currently works as a records technician, handling the filing, scanning, and processing of data. Prior to that, she worked as a workers’ compensation assistant at Thompson Hine.
Joyce earned an associate’s degree from Kirkland Business College in Albuquerque, N.M.
Bethany WisinskiAdvancement
Data Manager, Philanthropy
216.615.7179 |
Bethany joined the foundation in September 2024 as Data Manager, Philanthropy. In her role, Bethany is responsible for overseeing data management within the Philanthropy Department, supporting research, engagement, and stewardship initiatives. She also works closely with the Marketing and IT teams to drive digital change across the foundation.
Prior to joining the foundation, Bethany served as the Database Manager for Institutional Advancement at the Cleveland Institute of Art. She has extensive experience in advancement services, with previous roles at Cathedral Preparatory School, Gannon University, and the University at Buffalo Foundation, Inc. Bethany holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Case Western Reserve University.