About Location Registration Agenda Presenters Sponsors & Exhibitors FAQ Attendees Presenters Plenary Speakers Dale Anglin Press Forward Dale Anglin Press Forward Director Previously, Anglin served as the vice president for proactive grantmaking at the Cleveland Foundation, where she worked to align the foundation’s grantmaking initiatives to the ongoing needs of diverse communities in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties. Anglin also led the foundation’s journalism strategy, where she encouraged leaders to embrace local news and information as a community need and invest in a regional network of nonprofit journalism initiatives, including Signal Ohio. Prior to joining the Cleveland Foundation, Anglin was associate director for programs at the Victoria Foundation in Newark, where she was responsible for successful programming in higher education, STEM/STEAM, K-12 education, summer youth employment and leadership efforts. Anglin has served as director of resource development for New Community Corporation in Newark, as the executive director of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, and was a social analyst for the Congressional Research Service, both in Washington D.C. Originally from Chicago, Anglin earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in government and African American Studies from Smith College, and a master’s degree from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. She served as an Alfred P. Sloan/Association for Public Policy and Management Fellow. Anglin served on the Community Foundation of New Jersey board for nine years, the state’s largest community foundation, and currently serves on the Charlotte Newcombe Foundation board. Liz Blume Murray and Agnes Seasongood Good Government Foundation Liz Blume Murray and Agnes Seasongood Good Government Foundation Board President Elizabeth Blume is the Director of the Community Building Institute (CBI) at Xavier University, which aims to blend community organizing principles with community planning processes. Drawing on more than 30 years of municipal planning and community engagement experience, including as the Planning Director of both Cincinnati and Dayton, Liz has worked on issues of affordable housing, urban education, land use, and equitable community and economic development. Liz also co-directs Xavier University’s Master’s in Urban Sustainability and Resilience, an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to grapple with the challenge of building resilient communities in the twenty-first century. Yolanda Botti-Lodovico The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation Yolanda Botti-Lodovico The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation Storytelling and Advocacy Lead Yolanda works to develop and execute strategies that identify and amplify diverse stories of impact across our partner community, demonstrating the potential of AI to benefit both people and the planet. Previously, Yolanda was the Policy Lead for a lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where she worked on the COVID response. Her background is in refugee and human rights advocacy, in the legal, public, and nonprofit sectors. Yolanda holds an MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School and a BA in International Studies and Art History from Boston College. In her free time, Yolanda enjoys martial arts and creative writing. Carrie Davis The Joyce Foundation Carrie Davis The Joyce Foundation Director of the Democracy Program Carrie Davis (she/they) is the Director of the Democracy Program at the Joyce Foundation, where she leads the Foundation’s work to protect and improve policies on voting rights and voter access, election administration best practices, fair representation and redistricting, and promote a more equitable U.S. Census. Carrie and Tim Daly, Director of Joyce’s Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Program, co-lead a joint pilot project addressing the rise of political violence and its harmful impact on a functional democracy. Prior to joining the Foundation, Carrie served as Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio from 2012-2017, where she led the League’s state advocacy and public engagement programs with a special focus on voters’ rights and redistricting. Carrie was one of the co-leaders of Fair Districts Ohio, which led a good government campaign for successful passage of the 2015 state redistricting reform ballot issue. In 2017 the coalition launched a citizen initiative campaign to reform congressional districting, which eventually led the state legislature to negotiate a bipartisan reform plan that was approved by voters in May 2018. Carrie also served on the steering committee of Ohio Voice, the local affiliate of State Voices. From 2003-2012, Carrie was staff counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, where she litigated and lobbied on a variety of issues including voting rights, free speech, criminal justice, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and government accountability. Carrie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Concentration in Public Policy and Public Service from Albion College as well as a JD from Case Western Reserve University. Eli Flournoy Media Growth Partners Eli Flournoy Media Growth Partners Co-founder and Managing Director Managing Director of Impact Finance, Newsgathering & Communications for Media Growth Partners (MGP), Eli Flournoy leads news business strategic initiatives in startup and growth capital access and impact measurement. Eli and his MGP co-founders collaborate with a network of media technology companies supporting the news industry, like Yodel Community Connections and News Games, universities, big tech, NGOs and funders of news. Following a 24-year career at CNN, Eli is an award-winning veteran journalist and impact finance specialist, dedicated to building global communications partnerships for the restoration of news ecosystems and growth of local journalism businesses. News industry clients range from the innovative non-profit startup Athens County Independent in Ohio, and the Institute for Non-Profit News (INN), with its Rural News Network in the United States, to SocPortal Ukraine and the publishers of the Australian news association LINA. As an Executive in Residence with the Voinovich School’s Social Enterprise Ecosystem and Impact Measurement & Management programs at Ohio University, Eli provides business coaching, strategic communications, advisory and corporate board development, and C-suite technical support to small businesses and investor clients. Eli lives in Atlanta and holds an MBA from Ohio University, and a BA from Indiana University. Valerie Goode San Francisco Foundation Valerie Goode San Francisco Foundation Chief Marketing Officer I have the honor of helping to spread the word about SFF and the work we are doing to advance racial equity and economic inclusion both inside the organization and out. I work with others to tell the story of the foundation by highlighting the people and organizations in Bay Area communities working to make this region one where everyone can thrive regardless of race or socioeconomic status. You can check out some of this work in places such as our website, social media pages, and newsletters. Kyle Kutuchief John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Kyle Kutuchief John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Program Director, Akron Kyle Kutuchief was named program director in Akron for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in May 2015. The foundation invests in journalism, the arts and the success of cities where its founders once published newspapers. In Akron, the birthplace of Knight Newspapers and the foundation, Knight focuses on downtown and inner ring neighborhoods through investments in public space and public life to increase population and advance equity. Akron is also part of Reimagining the Civic Commons, a Knight-supported national initiative that seeks to counteract economic and social fragmentation by revitalizing and connecting public spaces. Previously, Kutuchief worked in higher education and was a part of two initiatives to strengthen regional collaboration. He has served on a number of nonprofit boards and acted as president of Torchbearers, a young professionals organization focused on leadership development and community service. Kutuchief has received Akron’s 30 for the Future Award, Cleveland’s 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers Award, Torchbearer’s Friend of Young Leaders Award and the Read Family Difference Maker Award. Kutuchief earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from The Ohio State University and a Master of Public Administration from The University of Akron. Rita McNeil Danish Signal Ohio Rita McNeil Danish Signal Ohio Chief Executive Officer Based in Columbus, McNeil Danish has more than 30 years of professional legal experience there and in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Chicago. She has been involved in a range of industries and business sectors, including service as a Commissioner on the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, as City Attorney for the cities of Cincinnati and Dayton, as a Franklin County Judge, legal counsel in the Ohio governor’s office and the Ohio Department of Commerce. McNeil Danish was appointed Judge by Governor Kasich, and most recently was Partner and DEI Strategic Business Partner at Taft Law, where she provides counsel to municipalities and small, minority, and women owned businesses. Across her many roles, McNeil Danish has been dedicated to building bridges across party, racial, and gender lines, fostering open cultures, dismantling prejudices, and empowering individuals. Lori Melichar The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Lori Melichar The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Senior Director Lori Melichar, a labor economist, is a senior director—Program at the Foundation where she focuses on discovering, exploring and learning from cutting-edge ideas with the potential to help create a Culture of Health. She is also the host of the Foundation’s Pioneering Ideas podcast. Previously at the Foundation, Lori managed several programs to focus a broad research community on studies to improve health and healthcare policy and practice, and was a key driver of efforts to advance the science of quality improvement (QI) research and evaluation. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2002, she served with the National Institutes of Child Health and Development and the Demography of Inequality initiative at the University of Maryland Center on Population, Gender and Inequality. Lori also worked at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals as a consultant and economic policy analyst and at the Project Hope Center for Health Affairs. She holds a PhD and MA in economics from the University of Maryland at College Park and a BA in economics from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. An Oklahoma native, Lori resides in New York City with her husband and three children. Jill Miller bi3 Jill Miller bi3 President & CEO Jill is President & CEO of bi3, a grantmaker in health. Through Jill’s leadership, the bi3 Fund has become one of Ohio’s leading health grantmakers, awarding more than $105 million in grants to fuel health equity and innovation. Jill is proud that nearly 220 babies are alive today due to the collaborative efforts bi3 helped fund to reduce infant mortality in Hamilton County, Ohio. Throughout her two-decade career, Jill has worked in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She serves as an Ambassador of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and is a board member of Philanthropy Ohio and Bethesda Foundation. Jill was recognized as a 2024 YWCA Career Women of Achievement, named one of Venue Magazine’s 2023 Influential Women of Greater Cincinnati, and was selected as a Cincinnati Business Courier 2023 Women Who Mean Business. Jill holds a Business Economics degree from Ohio’s Miami University and an MBA from Xavier University. Joy Ossei-Anto PACE - Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement Joy Ossei-Anto PACE - Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement Managing Director, Funder Engagement Joy is Managing Director of Funder Engagement at PACE, where she curates and implements experiences that maximize the participation of the funders within the PACE community. She brings years of experience as an organizational leader and is a skilled facilitator, steeped in adult learning principles. She designs engaging learning and development experiences. She holds a master's degree from Loyola Marymount University and dual undergraduate degrees from the University of California-Berkeley. Joy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two grade schoolers, and two cats. She believes we can achieve ambitious goals with humor and humanity, enjoying and connecting with each other and the work while we do hard things. Shaady Salehi Trust-Based Philanthropy Project Shaady Salehi Trust-Based Philanthropy Project Executive Director Shaady Salehi is a strategist, facilitator, and network builder with expertise in narrative and social change. She currently serves as the executive director of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, which she helped design and launch in 2020. Shaady has held a wide range of leadership roles during her 20-year tenure in the nonprofit sector. As Executive Director of Active Voice, she oversaw an impressive portfolio of national film campaigns on topics including immigration, criminal justice, food security, and healthcare. As Managing Director of Distribution & Impact at ITVS, she led a team to broaden the reach of independent documentaries on public television. As Senior Brand Strategist with Mission Minded, she helped nonprofit organizations clarify their values, branding, and messaging to better support their missions. As a frequent speaker and thinker on power dynamics in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, Shaady’s perspectives have been featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Social Investor Magazine, and the San Francisco Business Times. She has served on advisory committees for Human Rights Funders' Network and the National Council on Family Philanthropy; and is currently a proud board member of Color Congress, an innovative organization dedicated to strengthening the ecosystem of nonfiction storytelling by and for people of color. Shaady is the daughter of Iranian immigrants, and was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. She currently lives with her husband in San Francisco, CA (the ancestral land of the Ohlone people). In her downtime, she likes to go on urban hikes, practice yoga, and binge-watch cooking shows. Meredith C. Smith Cradle Cincinnati Meredith C. Smith Cradle Cincinnati Executive Director Dr. Smith is Executive Director of Cradle Cincinnati and an Assistant Field Professor at UC's Medical School. She is committed to addressing health disparities for Black women and babies. She participates in The Ohio Eliminating Disparities in Infant Mortality Governor’s Task Force and the U.S. Maternal Mental Health Task Force. Carter Stewart Mellon Foundation Carter Stewart Mellon Foundation Executive Vice President for Programs As executive vice president for programs at Mellon Foundation, Carter Stewart works closely with Mellon’s president, board, and staff to shape the Foundation’s funding priorities and direction. Prior to joining the Foundation, Carter was a managing director of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRK), where he identified and supported new investments and grantees—primarily early-stage, justice-oriented organizations. He was appointed by President Obama to serve as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, where he emphasized deterrence, crime prevention, and alternatives to incarceration. Carter has also been a litigator, held academic positions at the Ohio State University, taught history at Friends Seminary High School in Manhattan, and was a New York City Urban Fellow. Carter has served on the boards of the Contemporary American Theatre Company and the Joyce Foundation, and is a current trustee for The Marshall Project, the Nantucket Film Festival, the Nantucket Historical Association, and the Atlantic Foundation. He holds a BA in political science from Stanford University, an MA in education policy from Columbia University, and a JD from Harvard Law School. Nicholas P. Turner The Nord Family Foundation Nicholas P. Turner The Nord Family Foundation Director of Strategy and Engagement Nick Turner joined The Nord Family Foundation in March 2019. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy from John Carroll University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Cleveland State University, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. Nick has nearly 8 years of experience as a U.S. Congressional staffer. Natalie Anderson FC Cincinnati Natalie Anderson FC Cincinnati Sr. Director of Community Relations and FCCF Hailey Barr United Way of Greater Cincinnati Hailey Barr United Way of Greater Cincinnati Public Policy and Advocacy Manager Originally from West Chester, Ohio, Hailey Barr is a proud Ohioan, avid reader, and life-long learner. She attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and earned a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. As United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Public Policy and Advocacy Manager, Hailey oversees the organization’s digital inclusion work, running the Regional Digital Inclusion Alliance for southwest Ohio. Further, Hailey works closely with the organization’s leadership to advocate for affordable housing, financial stability for all families, and educational success from start to finish. Sruti Baz Sangfroid Strategy LLC Sruti Baz Sangfroid Strategy LLC Lead Consultant, Data-Driven Strategy Sruti Baz was raised in a family that emphasized the importance of contributing to positive change in the communities and society she is a part of. That upbringing made her committed to using her skills to advance social impact. She leverages her experience working with nonprofits, foundations, and government to help clients design strategies to tackle complex social challenges. An essential part of Sruti’s work is helping diverse social impact organizations in strategic and implementation planning. She develops plans tailored to each client’s needs to influence policy decisions in the interest of marginalized communities. By analyzing complex socio-political environments and conducting holistic stakeholder engagement, she helps organizations align their goals with advocacy efforts. Working with Sruthi, clients develop strategies to enhance their influence, drive systemic change, and amplify their impact. Sruti holds a Masters in Social Science Administration from Case Western Reserve University and a Masters in Public Administration from City University of New York's Baruch College through the National Urban Fellows Program, a program specifically for people committed to centering equity in all aspects of their work. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, and cooking with her husband Joe, son Khalil, daughter Ishani, and dog Lila. Indigo Bishop Saint Luke's Foundation Indigo Bishop Saint Luke's Foundation Program Officer Indigo is a Clevelander, facilitator and strategist specializing in sustainable development. She has worked in philanthropy and affordable housing. Indigo has dedicated her career to building wealth and health in BIPOC communities & leveraging existing assets to strengthen her city. Today she is a program officer at the Saint Luke’s Foundation. Joel Bokelman Changing Gears Joel Bokelman Changing Gears Executive Director Joel Bokelman is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of ChangingGears. Joel’s desire to empower people to overcome barriers and his love of anything to do with cars resulted in ChangingGears. A Cincinnati native, Joel graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Ohio University. Joel left a career in the metal recycling industry to start ChangingGears, which is fueled by the vision that as we help each other, people will have the freedom to accomplish their dreams. Amaya Boyd Interact for Health Amaya Boyd Interact for Health Volunteer Amaya Boyd serves as a Youth Fellow and Executive Committee member of HEY! Greater Cincinnati. She recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Psychology major and Communications minor. A native Cincinnatian, Amaya is passionate about improving mental health for the youth of her community. W. Quincy Brown Fund Evaluation Group, LLC W. Quincy Brown Fund Evaluation Group, LLC Senior Vice President, Advisor In his current role, Quincy works with FEG’s foundation clients on the management of their long-term investment portfolios. He has been a FEG team member since 1999. Quincy co-chairs FEG’s DEI Committee, an internal committee that strives to ensure that FEG is an inclusive environment. He also serves on FEG’s Diverse Manager Committee, which is a team established to promote historically underrepresented groups in asset management and assist clients with implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their portfolios. Additionally, Quincy serves on FEG’s Responsive Investing Committee, which provides thought leadership on how to align investments with an organization’s missions and values. Rebecca Brown Asmo Ohio Humanities Rebecca Brown Asmo Ohio Humanities Executive Director Rebecca Brown Asmo is the Executive Director of Ohio Humanities. She has a breadth of experience in the nonprofit sector, including a decade as Chief Executive Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio. Brown Asmo began her career in the public humanities in 2002 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., after graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in Art History. An adopted Ohioan since 2004, she has also worked in development for the Ohio History Connection and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio. She has participated in several of Harvard Business School’s Executive Education programs and is a 2018 alum of Linkage’s Global Institute for Leadership Development (GILD). Drake Bryan KnowledgeWorks Foundation Drake Bryan KnowledgeWorks Foundation Director, Continuous Improvement Drake is responsible for data collection, analysis, visualization and reporting across the organization, building stronger capabilities to use data to improve and measure impact. Drake leads measurement strategies and continuous improvement practices within the organization, while also serving our partnering districts and schools through tool creation and data-driven conversations. Mary Burke Rivers Over-the-Rhine Community Housing Mary Burke Rivers Over-the-Rhine Community Housing Executive Director Matt Butler Devou Good Foundation Matt Butler Devou Good Foundation President Matt Butler is President of the Devou Good Foundation, a foundation based in Covington KY, and working in the Greater Cincinnati region. Butler is a Member of the Community Based Accountability System, Kenton County School District, a board member with various nonprofits, and a small business owner Ernest A. Bynum African American Community Fund Ernest A. Bynum African American Community Fund Founder Father and son, Ernest E. and Ernest A. Bynum, have long been passionate about supporting African Americans and other minority communities in Appalachian Ohio. The pair co-founded the Minority Business Resource Network of Southeast Ohio to increase the diversity of the region’s business community. Now, they are continuing their advocacy with a new effort to grow resources dedicated to serving Appalachian Ohio’s African American communities, founding the African American Community Fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohi Jason Chamlee Model Group Jason Chamlee Model Group Vice President of Mixed Use Jason Chamlee joined The Model Group in 2015 and leads the company’s market rate development projects in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. While at the Model Group, he has developed over $300M of urban, mixed-use projects in Cincinnati communities such as Pendleton, Walnut Hills, and the Findlay Market area of Over-the-Rhine, as well as communities in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana and Van Wert, Ohio. Jason specializes in complex financing structures that utilize programs such as New Markets Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, Opportunity Zones, and Tax Increment Financing.Mr. Chamlee holds a BA in History from Miami University and a Masters of Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati. Jason lives with his family in Pleasant Ridge, where he is the President of the Pleasant Ridge Development Corporation and a member of the Local School Decision Making Committee at Pleasant Ridge Montessori. Michael Chewning 8K Michael Chewning 8K Principal Michael Chewning is a principal at 8K Company, where he spearheads the company’s development efforts with a passion for community impact and innovation. Since joining in 2017, Michael has been instrumental in establishing 8K Company as a distinguished development partner within the community, renowned for its creativity and effectiveness. Under Michael's leadership, 8K Company has significantly contributed to the housing landscape of Cincinnati, having developed over 100 units of affordable housing. His approach combines astute financial strategy with a commitment to social responsibility, utilizing a blend of new market tax credits, historic tax credits, governmental debt and philanthropic support to realize impactful projects. Cal Cullen Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Cal Cullen Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Program Manager Cal is a social practice artist whose work is centered on developing equitable solutions to problems using art as a catalyst. Cal joined the Haile Foundation in May 2023 after a 20-year history in non-profit leadership and arts administration. Cal has held prior positions at SFMOMA, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and most recently as the inaugural Executive Director of Wave Pool Arts Center. Gary Dangel Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation Gary Dangel Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation Food Access Coordinator Dr. Goroncy is an associate professor of clinical family medicine with the University of Cincinnati. Her research interests and specialties include geriatric medicine, social determinants of health and providing culturally responsive care. Carrie Davis The Joyce Foundation Carrie Davis The Joyce Foundation Director of the Democracy Program Carrie Davis (she/they) is the Director of the Democracy Program at the Joyce Foundation, where she leads the Foundation’s work to protect and improve policies on voting rights and voter access, election administration best practices, fair representation and redistricting, and promote a more equitable U.S. Census. Carrie and Tim Daly, Director of Joyce’s Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Program, co-lead a joint pilot project addressing the rise of political violence and its harmful impact on a functional democracy. Prior to joining the Foundation, Carrie served as Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio from 2012-2017, where she led the League’s state advocacy and public engagement programs with a special focus on voters’ rights and redistricting. Carrie was one of the co-leaders of Fair Districts Ohio, which led a good government campaign for successful passage of the 2015 state redistricting reform ballot issue. In 2017 the coalition launched a citizen initiative campaign to reform congressional districting, which eventually led the state legislature to negotiate a bipartisan reform plan that was approved by voters in May 2018. Carrie also served on the steering committee of Ohio Voice, the local affiliate of State Voices. From 2003-2012, Carrie was staff counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, where she litigated and lobbied on a variety of issues including voting rights, free speech, criminal justice, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and government accountability. Carrie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Concentration in Public Policy and Public Service from Albion College as well as a JD from Case Western Reserve University. Katie Decker Foundant Technologies, Inc. Katie Decker Foundant Technologies, Inc. Client Success Consultant – Grants & Scholarships Katie is based out of Eastern Iowa and is a former administrator for both GLM and SLM. Katie served her local community foundation as a grant writer, grantmaker and community organizer prior to joining the Foundant team. Mark Dessauer Spitfire Strategies Mark Dessauer Spitfire Strategies Senior Vice President Originally from Cincinnati, Mark has worked for the last 25 years on creating change in think tanks, US embassy in Switzerland, state government, university, nonprofit and foundations. From community solutions to childhood obesity across the country to statewide early childhood and oral health campaigns, Mark’s communication work has focused on improving the health and well-being of hundreds of communities. Over the past six years at Spitfire, Mark has worked with early childhood advocates to develop a messaging framework and trainings for Adverse Childhood Experiences on behalf of the Kresge and Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, provided communication counsel and training to RWJF communities working to Mobilizing Action for Resilient Communities (MARC) and established a national nonprofit strategic communication training program for JP Morgan Chase’s Office of Nonprofit Engagement in 40 cities across the country. Through this work, Mark has partnered with over 1200 community development, workforce improvement, affordable housing advocates to build their own strategic communication plan, targeted messaging and develop powerful stories to help them achieve their overall goals. Prior to coming to Spitfire Strategies, Mark was Director of Communications for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. In his role with the foundation he worked to integrate communications as a part of their capacity support for grantees. Mark was responsible for developing and implementing the communications strategies, media relations and internal communications to support the Foundation’s initiatives and grantees from healthy food systems to oral health and access to care. Mark first encountered Spitfire Strategies in 2003 as Communication Director for Active Living By Design, a RWJF national program to create healthier communities. Mark earned a B.A. in mass communications with a minor in German and film studies at Miami University, and a master’s in international communications at American University with a concentration on cross cultural studies. Mark is committed to community change outside of the day job and works to make Durham more walkable, bikeable and healthier for all residents. Mark enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring nature and the food system with his family and dogs. In his spare time Mark is working on more being and less doing. Cathy Duvall Redistricting Reform Project Cathy Duvall Redistricting Reform Project Lead Consultant to the Fair Representation in Redistricting Initiative Cathy Duvall is the founder of Democracy Ascent Advisors, a consulting firm focused on strategic outreach and engagement to create a more functional democracy. Currently, serves as the managing consultant for the Fair Representation in Redistricting Project at New Venture Fund where her focus is to build a collaborative funding space around redistricting issues, strengthen community coalitions, and provide strategic advice to state redistricting efforts. <p>Duvall comes to this work after serving for 10 years as the strategic outreach director at the Sierra Club where she worked with the vast network of staff and volunteers to win local and national policy changes around environmental justice, workers’ rights, and democracy issues, and oversaw the youth organizing and political programs. She began her career as an organizer with Environment Oregon and has served as the campaign manager and field director for numerous local, state and national political campaigns.</p> <p>Duvall is a recognized leader in the DC nonprofit community, has been named two years running as "one of the top 100 most influential people in Washington DC" by Washington Life Magazine and is honored to have received the Heather Booth award for her individual contributions to community organizing.</p> Sharon Edmond Saint Luke's Foundation Sharon Edmond Saint Luke's Foundation Administrative Officer Born to a big family with military parents in North Carolina, Sharon likes to consider herself a well-traveled southern belle. It’s those roots that exposed her to all types of people, cultures, arts, music and dance. Coupled with her gifts of organization, attention to detail, creative imagination, concept design and contagious enthusiasm, her love of entertainment planning bloomed. She pursued her B.A. in Psychology at Hampton University. In her professional career, Sharon has extensive experience in the event industry and has expanded that involvement to non-profit organizations. Prior to joining the Saint Luke’s Foundation, Sharon has worked in partnership with the American Heart Association, The Diabetes Partnership, CDF Freedom Schools, and Dancing Classrooms . These experiences gave her a deep appreciation for how nonprofits seek to improve the quality of life for our region one program at a time, and aspires to one day create her own. Currently, she provides administrative and support and assists with the day to day operations of the Foundation. Marcia Egbert The George Gund Foundation Marcia Egbert The George Gund Foundation Program Director, Thriving Families and Social Justice Marcia is a Program Director at The George Gund Foundation. In that role, she oversees grantmaking and community engagement related to Thriving Families + Social Justice. She currently serves in leadership roles with the Ohio Transformation Fund, PRE4CLE (Cleveland’s plan for high-quality pre-K), First Year Cleveland (infant mortality reduction coalition), Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition, and the Governor’s Lead Advisory Committee. Abbie Everett KnowledgeWorks Foundation Abbie Everett KnowledgeWorks Foundation Senior Director, Teaching and Learning Abbie Forbus Everett works with learning communities to coach them in redesigning learning structures toward personalized learning. Prior to KnowledgeWorks, Abbie worked with learners in Lindsay Unified School District, a competency-based learning community in rural California. She served as a K-2 learning facilitator, high school counselor and dean of culture. Trevellya Ford-Ahmed Mount Zion Black Cultural Center Trevellya Ford-Ahmed Mount Zion Black Cultural Center Communication/Media Director Trevellya “Tee” Ford-Ahmed, PhD, is Communication/Media Director for the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center located in Athens, Ohio, Professor Emerita, College of Arts & Humanities at West Virginia State University (WVSU), and a 2023 West Virginia Public Relations Hall of Fame Inductee. In 2021 & 2022 she was selected as a Diversity Scholar to the National Trusts for Historic Preservation’s Past Forward Conference. Tee earned a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Ohio University, an MA in Interpersonal Communication from New York University, and a BFA in Theater Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago. Tee produced the narrative film River of Hope (2019), a true story of the founding of WVSU, a Historical Black College located near the Capitol City of Charleston. She has also produced shorts for both WVSU and Ohio University as well as the NEA funded Citizens Institute for Rural Design promo for Mount Zion. Isabella Frueh Greater Cincinnati Foundation Isabella Frueh Greater Cincinnati Foundation Program Officer Isabella (Bella) is the Education & Workforce Development Program Officer for Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Community Investments team. Before joining GCF, Isabella spent sixteen years in education and youth services, leveraging her strong relationships in the community to advocate for sustainable solutions that support families' holistic success. Kathryne Gardette Walnut Hills Business Group Kathryne Gardette Walnut Hills Business Group President Kathryne Gardette is a Positive Broker: artistic – logistic – civic. For over thirty years, she’s worked for the same hospitality company (Prestige AV & Creative Services) performed in the same band (Drums for Peace) and has advocated for one neighborhood (#WeAreWalnutHills). She has been recognized by her peers with the Spirit of Cincinnati USA Awards 2013 Pinnacle Award for Outstanding Service, received third place for her original hooked rug design “Symbol of Knowledge by the the Cincinnati Horticultural Society, is a 2014 Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year and the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Potomac Chapter 2019-2020 Distinguished Leader Award. The first recognition she received for giving back to her beloved #WeAreWalnutHills was the Vida Carson Award in 1998. As a member of the board for Work Resource Center she assisted in guiding the organizations merger with Easter Seals and the founding of their social enterprise Building Value. Kathryne loved her nine years of service to the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation. Kathryne has served on the board of the Walnut Hills Area Council (WHAC) during three different decades, currently the President. A life-long learner, goal achiever, Kathryne sat for her CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) the first year the test went computerized, is a CTA (Certified Tourism Ambassador) and helped develop the CTA program for Cincinnati. At fifty-four Kathryne returned to school earning a Master’s of Science in Positive Organizational Development and Change from Case-Western Reserve University. Camille Gill Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Camille Gill Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Programs and Grants Counsel Camille R. Gill is the Programs and Grants Counsel for the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation. She is responsible for the oversight of the Foundation’s grants management, as well as the assessment of grantees. At the Foundation, she works on projects related to access to justice issues, including racial justice, equity, and inclusion. She collaborates with expert consultants hired by the Foundation to support grantees in the areas of community economic development and in improving technology processes. Additionally, she leads the Foundation’s Justice for All Fellowship programs for new attorneys and summer law clerks. She has devoted her career to nonprofit legal services, having previously served as Associate Director of Immigration Legal Services at Catholic Charities in Cleveland, Ohio, and a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, practicing in the areas of immigration, tax, barriers to employment, domestic relations, and public benefits. She graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law and received her bachelor’s in International Relations and a minor in Spanish from the University of Cincinnati. She is a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), The Columbus Bar Association, and the Ohio State Bar Association. She is an active member of Philanthropy Ohio and Peak Grantmaking. She also serves as the Legal Advisor to the Cuyahoga County Immigration Legal Services Fund and serves as a representative of the Diocese of Cleveland’s Welcoming the Stranger Committee for the Diocese’s Immigrant Assistance Fund, both of which provide funding to support immigrant communities in Northeast Ohio. Anna Goroncy University of Cincinnati Anna Goroncy University of Cincinnati Associate Professor of Family Medicine Dr. Goroncy is an associate professor of clinical family medicine with the University of Cincinnati. Her research interests and specialties include geriatric medicine, social determinants of health and providing culturally responsive care. Wes Hall Battelle Wes Hall Battelle Vice President of Education and Philanthropy Wes Hall is Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Education and directs Battelle’s efforts to expand STEM learning opportunities for all students through philanthropy and education initiatives. These efforts include oversight of the partnerships with the Metro Schools, the Ohio STEM Learning Network, the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, and the national STEMx network. Wes joined Battelle in 2012 as director of the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network and later served as the executive director of STEMx, working with 21 states to advance STEM learning. Wes holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He currently serves on the boards of the PAST Foundation, the YMCA of Central Ohio, and the national STEM Education Coalition and in an advisory capacity for the Friday Institute at North Carolina State University and the Board of Advisors for the University of Tennessee’s Master of Public Policy and Administration program. Renee Harvey Cleveland Browns Foundation Renee Harvey Cleveland Browns Foundation Vice President Renee is Vice President of the Foundation which is committed to education through Browns Give Back and the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network. Renee serves on the board of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Foundation, Philanthropy Ohio Education Advisory Committee and the United Way of Greater Cleveland Public Policy subcommittee. Colleen Houston ArtWorks Cincinnati Colleen Houston ArtWorks Cincinnati Chief Executive Officer & Artistic Director Colleen Houston, CEO & Artistic Director at ArtWorks, has more than 25 years of experience in community-based public arts. She has worked at ArtWorks for the past 21 years and in 2020 became the organizations 2nd CEO & Artistic Director. She helped move the organization towards its public art focus it is known for today, launching ArtWorks’ groundbreaking mural program in 2007, now ranked #1 in the nation by USA Today. Colleen holds a degree in Public and Social Art from Warren Wilson College and is completing a Nonprofit Leadership certificate from Harvard Kennedy School. Recognized for her leadership, she received the Legacy Next Generation Leader Award and is a Cincinnati Business Courier C-Suite honoree. Colleen serves on the boards of Creative Ohio and the Leadership Council for Nonprofits. Joe Huber Cincinnati Development Fund Joe Huber Cincinnati Development Fund President & CEO President & CEO of the dynamic Cincinnati Development Fund (a 36-year-old CDFI), Joe drives organizational vision and execution of goals to achieve growth, innovation, community impact, and long-term sustainability. Bringing nearly three decades of expertise in community lending and commercial banking to the forefront, Joe has served in pivotal roles at CDF such as COO and Chief Lending Officer. Through his leadership, CDF continues to evolve to boldly serve the greater Cincinnati market through its place-based financing strategies which support mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhoods and non-profit organizations, through collaboration with financial partners and community leaders and stakeholders. Mona Jenkins Walnut Hills Area Council Mona Jenkins Walnut Hills Area Council President Mona Jenkins is the president of the Walnut Hills Area Council (WHAC). The WHAC was established in 1965 as the voice to represent the interests of the community. They are recognized by the City of Cincinnati as the representative entity for Walnut Hills. Candace Jones Making A Change Cincy Candace Jones Making A Change Cincy President Candace Jones is President and CEO of Making a Change Cincy. She is an experienced and proficient Social Service Professional seeking to contribute educational training, workforce development and acquired skills in an education school system. She works well independently or in a group setting, providing all facets of social service and education. She has excellent verbal and written communication skills. Robert Killins, Jr. Greater Cincinnati Foundation Robert Killins, Jr. Greater Cincinnati Foundation Vice President, Community Investments Robert joined GCF in 2010 and currently oversees the organization’s grantmaking and strategic investment programs. He previously led GCF’s impact investment program, which leverages flexible financial vehicles and other funders to multiply social impact while creating financial returns and more opportunities for charitable funds. Melissa A. Kleptz The Troy Foundation Melissa A. Kleptz The Troy Foundation President and CEO Melissa Kleptz is President and CEO of The Troy Foundation. Under Kleptz, The Troy Foundation has grown from a $19.5 million community foundation to its current value of approximately $140 million with more than 425 individual funds. Kleptz serves on various Philanthropy Ohio committees and is a past board chair. Stacia Kuceyeski Ohio History Connection Stacia Kuceyeski Ohio History Connection Chief Operating Officer Stacia is the Chief Operating Officer at Ohio History Connection, one of the largest state historical societies in the nation. In her role, she oversees site management throughout the state, collections and exhibitions, community outreach and American Indian relations. Gretchen Kunkel GHK Consulting Gretchen Kunkel GHK Consulting President Gretchen Kunkel is president of GHK Consulting, bringing 30 years of experience working with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations across the country. Through her firm, she offers a wide range of consulting services, including advocacy, strategic planning, coalition building, and program development, with expertise in areas such as community development, health equity, and food systems. She also served as the President of KC Healthy Kids in Kansas City, where she led initiatives for healthy eating and active living, contributing to significant policy and environmental changes in the region. Earlier, she was the Associate Executive Director at the Center for Community Solutions and Director of Community Health Services at the Center for Health Affairs, both in Cleveland. Gretchen holds an MBA and MHA from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas. She is currently providing staff leadership to the Northeast Ohio Philanthropy Policy Lab, a committee of the Greater Cleveland Funders Collaborative. Liz LaCause ArtWorks Cincinnati Liz LaCause ArtWorks Cincinnati Senior Director, Advancement Elizabeth LaCause comes to ArtWorks with a professional background in nonprofit management, including development, communications, and marketing for the arts. She has spent the last seven years as the Director of Development at Ballet Tech Foundation, an organization that incorporates dance instruction with academics for NYC public school children, tuition free. She moved to Cincinnati three years ago and continued working remotely for Ballet Tech while transitioning to Cincinnati, and now looks forward to being a part of the Cincinnati arts community with feet firmly planted in the Queen City. She is thrilled to be a part of the ArtWorks team. Prior to Ballet Tech, Elizabeth held the position of Director of Development at the National Guild for Community Arts Education, as well as Director of Development & Communications for Career Transition For Dancers. Her career began with a public relations firm for the performing arts, followed by the position of Production Manager with New York City Ballet in the Education Department, managing its lecture-demonstration program serving public school children in the Tri-State area. She became the Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Staten Island, followed by five years as Executive Director with the Staten Island Chamber Music Players. She also founded her own company, Festivals in Concert, which specialized in development and marketing for performing arts events before joining the staff at RIOULT Dance NY, serving as its executive director. She earned a BA and BS from Skidmore College in English Literature and Dance and a Masters in Nonprofit Management (MNM) from Regis University in Denver, CO. Elizabeth is motivated by a lifetime passion for the arts and for arts education. Anissa Lewis Wave Pool Anissa Lewis Wave Pool Artist & Executive Director Anissa R. Lewis’ work believes in the power of voice as it relates to place and the historically marginalized. She has appeared on the podcast, “I like your work” and was an artist-in-residence at Residency Unlimited in Brooklyn, NY, funded by the Great Meadows Foundation. Her work has shown at the Hampton University Museum, the Kemper Museum of Art, and Governor’s Island. She is the Executive Director of Wave Pool in Cincinnati, OH. Sarah Lowry Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley Sarah Lowry Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley Senior Director of Community Impact Sarah brings 12+ years of experience leading the Healthy Community Partnership and representing U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown in Northeast Ohio to her role as Senior Director of Community Impact. These experiences cultivated strong, diverse relationships and skills in public policy, decision-making, and community engagement. Michelle Lydenberg Interact for Health Michelle Lydenberg Interact for Health Senior Manager of Data and Learning Michelle Lydenberg helps to coordinate Interact for Health's evaluation efforts to understand the progress we are making and the impact of our work in the region. She leads the development and implementation of evaluation and learning plans for projects within Interact for Health's grant making portfolios. She currently serves as the lead evaluator for the opioid and Thriving Community focus areas. Michelle previously worked as the Director of the Partners for a Drug-Free Milford Miami Township. She has also worked as the Injury Prevention Coordinator at Clermont County Public Health and the Coalition Coordinator for South Boston Collaborative Advisory Network. Michelle holds a master's of science degree in Urban and Regional Policy from Northeastern University's School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. She also holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from the College of Wooster. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys dance, traveling and spending time with her husband and son. Ross Meyer Interact for Health Ross Meyer Interact for Health Vice President, Strategy For more than 20 years, Ross has worked to improve the lives of people in Greater Cincinnati. Most recently, Ross helped lead the Connect Our Students initiative to provide free home broadband access to all Cincinnati Public Schools students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, he served as the interim President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, leading the agency through a critical period of significant change. Brice Mickey Beech Acres Parenting Center Brice Mickey Beech Acres Parenting Center VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Brice Mickey is the inaugural Vice President of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Beech Acres Parenting Center and serves as the chair of the DEI Committee. He came to BAPC with 12+ years’ experience as an award-winning JEDI consultant where he worked with over 200 organizations across the country to help them achieve their equity and inclusion goals. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH where he graduated from Walnut Hills HIgh School and later earned his BSIT from the University of Cincinnati. It was there he realized his calling for dialogue around diversity and inclusion after participating in, and later directing UC’s nationally recognized Racial Awareness Program (RAPP). After leaving UC, he went on to advocate for trans youth at Living with Change and from there went to Public Allies Inc to manage a trans-national cohort of underrepresented leaders involved in AmeriCorps apprenticeships. Samantha Miller Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation Samantha Miller Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation Executive Director Samantha Miller has been the executive director of the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation since July 2020. She has a master's degree in community planning from the University of Cincinnati. Anna Miller Ohio Department of Development Anna Miller Ohio Department of Development Manager of Digital Equity and Inclusion Anna Miller serves as manager of digital equity and inclusion at BroadbandOhio, a division of the Ohio Department of Development, where she works to create a more digitally inclusive Ohio by fostering collaborative partnerships and empowering underserved communities. Jill Miller bi3 Jill Miller bi3 President & CEO Jill is President & CEO of bi3, a grantmaker in health. Through Jill’s leadership, the bi3 Fund has become one of Ohio’s leading health grantmakers, awarding more than $105 million in grants to fuel health equity and innovation. Jill is proud that nearly 220 babies are alive today due to the collaborative efforts bi3 helped fund to reduce infant mortality in Hamilton County, Ohio. Throughout her two-decade career, Jill has worked in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She serves as an Ambassador of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and is a board member of Philanthropy Ohio and Bethesda Foundation. Jill was recognized as a 2024 YWCA Career Women of Achievement, named one of Venue Magazine’s 2023 Influential Women of Greater Cincinnati, and was selected as a Cincinnati Business Courier 2023 Women Who Mean Business. Jill holds a Business Economics degree from Ohio’s Miami University and an MBA from Xavier University. Kerri L. Mollard Mollard Consulting Kerri L. Mollard Mollard Consulting Founder & CEO Kerri Mollard is the CEO of Mollard Consulting. She is a respected authority on nonprofit board governance, planning, and fundraising, and has served more than 160 clients since 2003 and thousands more through workshops. She has a BA from Ohio State, MA from Indiana University, and Nonprofit Board Consulting Certificate from BoardSource. Dereck Norville-Bowie KnowledgeWorks Foundation Dereck Norville-Bowie KnowledgeWorks Foundation Director, Impact and Improvement Dereck measures the impact and improvement of KnowledgeWorks’ personalized, competency-based learning efforts and equitable outcomes. He also uses measurement, data storytelling and continuous quality improvement approaches to help shape strategy and guide stakeholders through the “data learning journey” to take informed action. Johnmark Oudersluys CityLink Center Johnmark Oudersluys CityLink Center Executive Director CityLink Center’s Executive Director is Johnmark Oudersluys, a former corporate strategist with a passion for creating solutions to critical social issues. At CityLink, Johnmark has led the formation and launch of a scalable, integrated center that breaks down barriers for Greater Cincinnati’s unemployed & economically challenged to progress to better lives. Jeremiah Pennebaker United Way of Greater Cincinnati Jeremiah Pennebaker United Way of Greater Cincinnati Senior Associate, Black Led Social Change Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, I have dedicated my life to social justice and community advocacy. With a background in Philosophy, Politics, and the Public from Xavier University, and a master's degree in Public Affairs, my career has been shaped by a deep commitment to public service. Currently, I serve on the Black Led Social Change team at United Way of Greater Cincinnati, focusing on uplifting the Black community and marginalized groups. Passionate about fighting corruption and promoting equity, I am driven by the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance to thrive. My approach is collaborative and inclusive, always striving to find common ground and humor even in challenging situations. Zohar Perla bi3 Zohar Perla bi3 Director of Evaluation & Learning Zohar Perla is the bi3 Director of Evaluation and Learning. She supports evaluative practice within bi3 and with grantees to drive equitable outcomes by capturing and sharing successes and lessons learned while assessing the effectiveness and impact of grantmaking activities. Zohar also assists grantees in measuring and communicating their impact and helps capture bi3’s learnings to inform our strategy. Passionate about connecting people and data to create better community outcomes, Zohar brings a wealth of philanthropic, evaluation and research experience to the bi3 team. Most recently, she served as Senior Program Officer of Community Learning and Impact at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), where she supported grantees, managed data and evaluation, and ran the Foundation’s education grantmaking. During the pandemic, Zohar co-led the GCF Connect Our Students Initiative, which provided thousands of local students with internet access. Before moving to Cincinnati, she worked as a consultant supporting nonprofit and philanthropic data, strategy, and evaluation efforts nationwide. Zohar has also served in data analyst roles in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Zohar holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor’s in Economics and Psychology from Amherst College. Katherine Prince KnowledgeWorks Foundation Katherine Prince KnowledgeWorks Foundation Vice President, Foresight and Strategy Katherine Prince leads KnowledgeWorks’ exploration of the future of learning and stewards the organization’s strategy around engaging people with education transformation. As Vice President, Foresight and Strategy, she leads a team of professional futurists who explore possibilities for education and help people grapple with change. Katherine also collaborates across KnowledgeWorks to define, implement and monitor the impact of KnowledgeWorks’ publication and engagement strategy. She holds a BA and an MA in English as well as an MBA and is a member of the Association of Professional Futurists. Darrin Redus Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator Darrin Redus Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator CEO A national thought leader for inclusive entrepreneurship and growing larger-scale diverse businesses, Darrin is a seasoned business executive and successful entrepreneur. Prior to his work at the Chamber, Darrin served as President and CEO for MainStreet Inclusion Advisors, a national consulting firm developing diverse technology-based businesses and networks. Kristin Riepenhoff Zelinskas Greater Cincinnati Foundation Kristin Riepenhoff Zelinskas Greater Cincinnati Foundation Program Officer Kristin is a Program Officer at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation who oversees the cultural vibrancy initiatives for the Community Investments department. Over the past 13 years, she has dedicated her career to cultivating and connecting the community to arts and culture through some of Cincinnati's leading cultural institutions, such as FotoFocus and the Contemporary Arts Center. Kristin currently serves on the board of Xavier University’s Professional Mentor Program—advocating and mentoring the next creative leaders of our region. Brian J. Sasson The Procter & Gamble Fund Brian J. Sasson The Procter & Gamble Fund Corporate Contributions Brian Sasson serves as the director of the P&G Fund for Procter & Gamble. He has been at P&G for nearly three decades, starting in marketing, he transitioned to Community Relations work where he has worked his way up to lead the corporate giving work of the company. Emmy Schroder La Soupe Cincinnati Emmy Schroder La Soupe Cincinnati Executive Director Emmy Schroder is the executive director of La Soupe. She transitioned into the executive director role from the COO role, having been with the organization for five years. Kate Schroder Interact for Health Kate Schroder Interact for Health President and CEO Kate Schroder joined Interact for Health as its President and CEO in 2022. In this role, she works with Interact for Health’s staff and board to provide leadership, direction and vision to the organization and to develop strategies to address some of the most pressing health needs in Greater Cincinnati. Sarah Sisser Ohio Citizens for the Arts Sarah Sisser Ohio Citizens for the Arts Executive Director & CEO Sarah is the Executive Director & CEO of CreativeOhio, the statewide voice of advocacy for arts and culture. In addition to her background in art and design, she has spent the last 12 years as a nonprofit executive, community planner, and advocate for funding of arts and cultural institutions. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Ohio Humanities, the state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Meredith C. Smith Cradle Cincinnati Meredith C. Smith Cradle Cincinnati Executive Director Dr. Smith is Executive Director of Cradle Cincinnati and an Assistant Field Professor at UC's Medical School. She is committed to addressing health disparities for Black women and babies. She participates in The Ohio Eliminating Disparities in Infant Mortality Governor’s Task Force and the U.S. Maternal Mental Health Task Force. Ralph Smithers Encova Foundation of Ohio Ralph Smithers Encova Foundation of Ohio Assistant VP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations Ralph Smithers is the Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations for Encova Insurance (formerly Motorist Insurance). In his role, he has formalized all corporate philanthropic activity including automating and managing the Motorists Foundation (GIFTS Online), automating and managing volunteer programs (Angel Points), managing the company’s various fundraising campaigns including Operation Feed, United Way and other monthly campaigns and drives. Ralph earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and insurance from The Ohio State University in 1989. As a student at Ohio State, he was proud to be a part of the Minority Scholars Program through the (then) Office of Minority Affairs. Ralph is a native of Columbus but holds strong family ties to Rendville and other areas of Appalachian Ohio. Erica Spaid Patras Greater Ohio Policy Center Erica Spaid Patras Greater Ohio Policy Center Senior Manager of Special Projects Erica Spaid Patras, MCP, is Research Director at the Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) where she investigates realistic strategies for equitable development within a weak-market context. Spaid Patras’s works focuses on housing, real estate development, financing, local government finances, and transit/active transportation, among other topics. Jeff Sugalski Saint Luke's Foundation Jeff Sugalski Saint Luke's Foundation Grants Manager Jeffrey Sugalski joined Saint Luke’s Foundation in May 2022 after working nearly two decades in the field of community development in Cleveland. Chip Tell Matrix Psychological Services Chip Tell Matrix Psychological Services Director of Market Development Chip Tell, Psy.D. received his B.A. in Economics from the College of William and Mary in 1990 and his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Wright State University in 2000. Additionally, he completed an APA-approved internship at The Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Tell is therefore uniquely trained to handle both clinical and business management aspects of the Matrix Employee Assistance Program. He has served as the Director of Market Development for 25 years. In addition to clinical care, he is responsible for EAP program development, contracting, and promotion activities. Paul Towne Cooper Coleman Paul Towne Cooper Coleman Search Consultant Paul has devoted his career to advancing social good, splitting his time between raising funds for some of the world’s most impactful organizations and championing technology that promotes charitable giving and organizational effectiveness. Paul most recently served as Sr. Director of Institutional Partnerships for Resilia, a social impact startup that partners with foundations to support capacity building, storytelling, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He was instrumental in establishing Resilia’s presence in the western region of the US, securing partnerships with innovative funders (including Silicon Valley Community Foundation) to strengthen grassroots and BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations. He held similar sales and business development roles with United Way Worldwide, CyberGrants, and IBM. At United Way and CyberGrants, he helped promote SaaS platforms for workplace giving and volunteering. He led software, hardware, and services sales for nonprofit organizations at IBM. Paul has represented organizations across the charitable sector, including higher education, volunteerism, international development, disaster relief, and youth development. He served as Associate Director of Alumni Relations at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and Director of Corporate Partnerships for Points of Light, the world’s largest network of organizations committed to inspiring, equipping, and mobilizing community volunteers. At Points of Light, he launched a first-of-its-kind partnership with Google to support free/low-cost technology adoption and a global volunteerism partnership with Visa. Paul has led technology sector engagement for international NGOs, including CARE and UNICEF USA, helping leverage corporate financial and technical resources to improve outcomes in financial inclusion, education, public health, disaster relief, and livelihoods. He launched first-time partnerships with Amazon, Apple, and Facebook, raising critical disaster relief funds and piloting “data for good” initiatives. At American Red Cross, he led the nation’s top-performing regional corporate fundraising team, securing more than $10M in corporate support. Paul has lived in the Bay Area for more than ten years. He resides in Santa Cruz with his husband, Dan, and their two Boston Terriers, Oscar and Jackson. He serves on the alumni board of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Timothy Tramble Saint Luke's Foundation Timothy Tramble Saint Luke's Foundation President and CEO Tim became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Luke's Foundation on June 1, 2020. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing and guiding the work of the foundation to advance the pursuit of health equity in the Saint Luke's neighborhoods and throughout Cuyahoga County. Tim leads, directs, and coordinates the activities of the foundation in accordance with the policies, goals, and objectives established by the Board of Trustees and articulated through the foundation's strategic plan. Before joining the foundation, Tim served as a highly regarded leader in the field of community development. While forging the growth of Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. (BBC), Tim oversaw multimillion-dollar real estate development projects in Cleveland's poorest neighborhoods, founded WOVU 95.9FM Community Radio Station, and led the creation of BoxSpot micro-enterprise development in addition to many other innovative community revitalization programs and projects. Before joining BBC, Tim spent five years in various roles at the Cleveland Department of Public Health. Tim earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Cleveland State University where he also earned his graduate certification in Non-profit Management. His Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science was obtained from Central State University and he is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council. Tim is a proud graduate of East High, a closed school of the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD). Tim was born and raised in the Hough neighborhood of Cleveland and resides in the Fairfax neighborhood of Cleveland with his wife Latrice and daughter Tierra. Curtis Webb Design Impact Curtis Webb Design Impact Director, Systems Redesign and Community-Centered Research Dr. Webb is an award-winning scholar whose interests lie at the intersection of race, embodiment, class, and space (internet and physical). Dr. Curtis L. Webb III brings his deep knowledge and experiences with social change, social inequities, racial analysis, and advocating for vulnerable populations to Design Impact. He is a trained sociologist whose research and advocacy approach is based in the scholar-practitioner model and the work of W.E.B. Du Bois. The Du Boisian influence emphasizes shared knowledge production, community power, and a shared commitment to systems change for the liberation of all people. Prior to Design Impact, Dr. Webb worked with The Cincinnati Project at the University of Cincinnati where he developed, maintained, and assisted in the maintenance of community research collaborations between local organizations and UC affiliates. Dr. Webb has won numerous research grants and leadership awards, including the University of Cincinnati’s African American Cultural and Resource Center’s Ushindi Black Graduate Student Campus Leader Award. Dr. Webb obtained a B.A. in Sociology from Morehouse College, an M.A in Sociology from the University of Cincinnati, and a PhD in Sociology from the University of Cincinnati. Amy Weber United Way of Greater Cincinnati Amy Weber United Way of Greater Cincinnati Chief Impact Officer Weber has been with United Way for more than 12 years in positions of increasing responsibility. In her role, she leads United Way’s impact strategies, including key initiatives, grantmaking, and impact evaluation. She brings content expertise in economic mobility and leadership in complex problem-solving, foresight and innovation. Moira Weir United Way of Greater Cincinnati Moira Weir United Way of Greater Cincinnati President & CEO Moira Weir, the first woman leader in the history of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, is guiding the organization through transformative change to become a more family-centered, community-driven United Way focused on changing systems so families achieve long-term economic well-being. United Way is listening to those closest to the challenges, aligning United Way funding around those opportunities and co-creating solutions with families and community. She is also building public-private partnerships, such as Project Lift, to support families on their journey to economic well-being. Only nine months into her job, national philanthropist MacKenzie Scott chose to invest in Weir’s leadership, presenting United Way of Greater Cincinnati with a $25 million grant. Her recent recognitions include the 2022 Lighthouse Youth and Family Services 2022 Beacon of Light Award, being named to the Cincinnati Business Courier’s 2021 Women Who Mean Business list, and the 2020 Vistage Member Excellence Award for Leadership, recognition from her Vistage Cincinnati peers for stand-out leadership and exceptional impact on her peer group, her business and her community. Sarah Weiss Greater Cincinnati Foundation Sarah Weiss Greater Cincinnati Foundation Chief Philanthropy Officer Sarah Weiss is a highly accomplished and visionary non-profit leader. She has a proven track record of bringing major initiatives to fruition. She is experienced in board engagement, strategic planning, fundraising, and in building bridges to unite around a cause. Sarah started her non-profit career as a Public Ally. Peter Whitt Saint Luke's Foundation Peter Whitt Saint Luke's Foundation Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Peter enjoys, laughter and wellness. A key pillar of his work is to listen, learn and do when lifting up equitable practices. He has over 20 years of diverse career experience addressing the social determinants of health. He is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the St. Luke’s Foundation. Leon Wilson Cleveland Foundation Leon Wilson Cleveland Foundation Chief of Digital Innovation and Chief Information Officer Leon, has over 25 years in Information Technology, currently as the Chief of Digital Innovation & Chief Information Officer at the Cleveland Foundation. In this dual role, Leon is part of the executive committee leading the foundation’s Information & Technology Services department, focusing on strategic and transformational use of technology and data within the foundation and the philanthropic sector. Additionally, as Chief of Digital Innovation, Leon oversees the foundation’s Digital Excellence grant-making strategy geared toward “building a stronger, more equitable and inclusive digital community” tackling Cleveland’s digital divide; along with elevating Greater Cleveland’s position as a intelligent / smart city and regional technology innovation hub. Logan York The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Logan York The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Logan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with minors in History and Archaeology. At Miami University, he worked as an archaeology field technician for Algonquin Consultants. He also has experience using various technologies, including Photoshop, Microsoft office, and Zoom, to communicate and collaborate on cultural projects for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. He has extensive experience in historical research for cultural projects and working with the public, whether giving tours, talks, or lectures in classrooms. While studying abroad, Logan lived with the Saami, a group of indigenous reindeer farmers in the arctic circle, specifically in Norway and Finland. He worked with large teams to construct pens and fences to better manage the 20,000 reindeer that the families owned there. In his position as Tribal Historical Preservation Officer, it is his job to represent the Miami Nation. To ensure that their sovereignty is respected and that they have a seat at the table when projects are happening in their traditional homelands. Donovan Young The George Gund Foundation Donovan Young The George Gund Foundation Program Officer Donovan Young is the program officer for the Thriving Families and Social Justice and Public Education program areas. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2024, he was program associate for social impact and strategy at The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation Donovan previously held internships at Case Western Reserve University’s office of corporate relations, Neighborhood Connections, and served as a research assistant for the National Initiative on Mixed-Income Communities. Donovan graduated from Case Western Reserve University magna cum laude with a Master of Science in Social Administration and a Master of Nonprofit Organizations. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and humanities from Azusa Pacific University in California, where he also graduated magna cum laude. Jennifer Zimmerman bi3 Jennifer Zimmerman bi3 Vice President of Strategy & Chief Impact Officer Jennifer Zimmerman is the Vice President of Strategy and Chief Impact Officer for bi3. Jennifer focuses on the bi3 Fund’s grant strategy, impact, analysis, and landscape assessment of bi3’s funding areas. Through her work, bi3 has fueled new care models to reduce infant mortality, improve access to behavioral healthcare, and enhance end-of-life care while lowering healthcare costs. Previously, Jennifer was the principal of a consulting firm offering evaluation, program development, and strategic planning services to nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. She has also served as the director of a multi-agency collaboration, the director of evaluation for a large child-serving nonprofit and was part of the evaluation staff in a healthcare foundation. Jennifer holds a master’s degree in social work with a focus in social and economic development.
