A “Speed Dating” Approach to Nonprofit Leadership 

Wednesday, November 12

5:30 – 8:30 pm @ BOP STOP 

Participating Candidates

1. Clarice Turba is an Associate IT Business Analyst at GBX Group. She is a certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate and has experience in business intelligence, system administration, and data analytics. Clarice’s work experience includes developing interactive Power BI dashboards, managing Microsoft 365 environments, and developing custom software solutions across departments. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a Minor in Mathematics from Cleveland State University. Clarice resides in Lakewood and serves on her company’s community committee, participating in various forms of outreach with local nonprofits including volunteering time and aiding in organizing Christmas gift drives. She is passionate about organizations that promote education and development for adults and youth.

2. Jeff German-Lortie an audit manager at Bober Markey Fedorovich. He is a CPA in the state of Ohio and has worked in both public accounting and closely held corporations. Jeff’s work experience includes conducting audits for a wide variety of clients, as well as advising on a variety of financial matters for clients. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in accountancy, and a Master of Business Administration, all from Case Western Reserve University. Jeff also serves as treasurer for the Akron Physician Wellness Initiative, a not-for-profit in the Akron area focused on providing confidential behavioral health services to area physicians.

3. Sarah Thomas is an accomplished events professional with over 14 years of experience leading large-scale events, venue operations, and community partnerships across the Midwest and East Coast. Currently serving as the Events Director for the Greater Cleveland Partnership, she has a proven track record of bringing people together through thoughtful planning, creative problem-solving, and a passion for meaningful connection. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Ohio State University. She is dedicated to creating inclusive, engaging experiences that strengthen relationships and foster growth within organizations and communities. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, and two children, McCoy and Kennagh.

 4. Denny Johnson is a Portfolio Management Associate at Carnegie Investment Counsel in Pepper Pike. He is a registered investment advisor and supports two Portfolio Managers working with high-net-worth individuals and businesses. Denny’s work experience has been almost wholly in investment management, with some experience in anti-money laundering. He majored in finance during undergrad school, and went on to obtain his Executive MBA degree, both from Cleveland State University. Denny resides in Lakewood, and is passionate about the arts, nature conservancy, and suicide prevention efforts.

5. Eric Kocsis is an associate attorney in the financial markets practice group at Jones Day. He is a licensed attorney who focuses his practice on advising clients on federal securities laws and regulations and general corporate governance matters. In addition to his role at Jones Day, he has served in the Ohio Army National Guard as a logistics officer since 2018. He holds a Juris Doctor from the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toledo. Eric is passionate about issues impacting veterans. He also grew up in Northeast Ohio, as such, he is particularly motivated to help and give back to the Cleveland community in any way he can.

6. Rebecca Neumann is an Associate Consultant at Silverlode Consulting, which is part of GBX Group. She augments the economic impact, economic incentives, and economic development teams through research and analysis, project management, and client engagement. Rebecca is an IMPLAN Certified Economist and assists with modeling for economic impact and other analyses for corporate and public sector clients. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cleveland State University, having majored in Economics and minored in Finance. Rebecca is from Avon Lake and is passionate about animals, and the arts.

7. Jake Peebles Jake is a Credit Analyst at Fifth Third Bank, specializing in underwriting loans for middle-market businesses in the Cleveland area. He is a registered investment banker with a diverse background in financial analysis, business analysis, and accounting principles. Jake earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Data Analytics from Walsh University, where he was a member of the Men’s Baseball Team. He currently resides in Brook Park, just south of Cleveland. Jake is passionate about organizations that promote movement and exercise, advocate financial literacy, and create inclusive opportunities for children with special needs.

8. Kit Hannum is a Specialist II in Community Affairs at Nordson Corporation, where she leads initiatives in corporate philanthropy and community engagement. She brings experience from Sherwin-Williams, where she supported charitable giving and nonprofit partnerships, strengthening her expertise in corporate social responsibility. Kit holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Cleveland State University and has a background in arts education and programming, which continues to inform her creative approach to community development. She resides in Bay Village, Ohio, and remains active in efforts that promote youth empowerment and cultural enrichment.

 9. Karen M. Firstenberg is a partner at the law firm of Thompson Hine, LLP in its Product Liability and Environmental Group. Karen provides strategic counsel to life science companies, and industrial and commodity chemical and pesticide manufactures on product liability, toxic tort and regulatory matters.  Karen has a BA from The Ohio State University in political science; a MA from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in International Politics; and her JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.  Karen resides in Pepper Pike, where she has lived for the past two years.  Before that, Karen and her family lived in Los Angeles, CA.  Karen is passionate about organizations that health care, promoting religious tolerance / education and legal access for underserved communities.

10. Cameron Wilk is an organizational strategist at TimeZero, where he works in brand and business strategy, organization design, and change capacity building. He has a Master’s degree in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University and expertise spanning Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and academic institutions, Cameron designs agile structures and data-driven models that unlock organizational performance and resilience. Grounded in the belief that individual and community flourishing are interconnected, Cameron brings this philosophy to his work—helping organizations evolve into adaptive systems. Beyond his professional practice, he’s passionate about strategic partnerships, community-centered design, and supporting the transformational journeys of the organizations and people he serves.

11. Geoffrey Paschke is an Associate at Frantz Ward. Geoff focuses his practice on complex civil litigation in state and federal courts. He represents clients on a range of issues, including product liability claims, insurance coverage matters, and general business disputes. He has prepared pleadings and dispositive motions, conducted fact discovery, and aided senior counsel during a jury trial to verdict. While in law school, Geoff served as an extern to The Honorable Richard A. Lanzillo with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Prior to beginning his legal career, Geoff worked for three years as a compliance analyst for a large financial institution, where he worked to combat money laundering and fraud. He is very excited to give back to the nonprofit community.

12. Dan Schiau is an Attorney with Tucker Ellis. Dan routinely wears multiple hats in his transactions, allowing him to effectively position and advocate in favor of client objectives. His undergraduate studies in economics play a role in Dan’s philosophy that the most effective negotiation strategy is the one with a true practical implication behind it. Dan counsels a variety of private equity firms, family offices, and business owners in their most crucial transactions and throughout their businesses’ lifecycles. His experience includes cross-border and domestic transactions, equity raises, debt financing, formation and structuring, leveraged buy-outs, carve-outs, founder transactions, and all manner of related issues. A Cleveland native, Dan enjoys spending his free time with his wife and daughters on Lake Erie. During football season, Dan can be found cheering on the Clemson Tigers.

 13. Amanda Davis is a Director of Financial Consulting at RSM. She has over 12 years of experience in accounting and advisory services, specializing in middle market and nonprofit industries. Her background includes eight years in audit and four in business process outsourcing and technical accounting consulting. She’s known for delivering high-quality results while navigating client operational constraints. Amanda excels in financial reporting, internal controls, and strategic presentations to boards and senior leadership. She’s led cross-functional teams, developed tailored outsourcing solutions, and managed federal award audits for nonprofit organizations. Passionate about mentorship and collaboration, Amanda brings strong communication and organizational skills to every engagement.

14. Austin Maffei is an attorney in Taft’s Cleveland office in the Employment and Labor Relations practice. He has experience with employment discrimination cases, state and federal wage and hour laws, and the WARN ACT. Prior to joining Taft, Austin was an associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where his practice focused on complex commercial litigation in both federal and state courts. He also served as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. Bridget Meehan Brennan, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Austin earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in sociology and political science from The College of Wooster.

Participating Nonprofits

A. Benjamin Rose

benrose.org

Mission: ​To serve as a trusted partner in the aging journey for individuals of all backgrounds as well as those who care for them.

Aging impacts everyone in different ways. That’s why we’ve thoughtfully built out service lines that can make a positive impact in all areas of our clients’ lives through home and community-based services, housing and homeownership, financial wellness and research education and advocacy. We conduct research related to the everyday issues faced by older adults and their families, then use our work to develop innovative solutions. We foster informed engagement with public policy issues impacting the field of aging. We provide the Greater Cleveland Area with in-person and telephone-based programs addressing wellness, financial needs and housing.

Opportunities: We are currently recruiting young professionals to serve on our Young Professional Council, which supports the mission of Benjamin Rose by encouraging philanthropy, networking, leadership opportunities and engaging young professionals to develop programs and opportunities to support older adults and caregivers.

B. Center for Arts-Inspired Learning 

arts-inspiredlearning.org

Mission: The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning champions creative learning, drives educational innovation, and transforms lives through collaborative efforts involving teaching artists, students, educators, and communities.

For over 70 years, the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL) has transformed education in Northeast Ohio by providing high-quality arts experiences that empower youth. As an affiliate of the National Young Audiences Arts for Learning network, CAL partners with schools and community organizations offer programs in dance, theater, music, visual arts, digital arts, and more, serving thousands annually. CAL’s professional teaching artists collaborate with educators to deliver integrated, arts-based learning that develops critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional skills. Committed to accessibility and inclusion, CAL inspires youth to realize their full potential, making a lasting impact on their lives, schools, and communities.

Opportunities: Opportunities to join our board of directors or volunteer as we embark on a first ever capital campaign for a new space brining programs and administrative staff to one facility. The new leaders can help expand our network and learn about the importance of arts integration for of youth in educational and workforce development for all ages.

C. Community Service Alliance

comservealliance.org

Mission: Fostering independence on a foundation of trust through housing, jobs, and personal and faith development.

Community Service Alliance (CSA) has been providing housing, job assistance, and personal, behavioral and spiritual support for men transitioning from poverty, homelessness and addiction for 20 years. They carry out that mission by providing affordable, short-term supportive housing, identifying and securing local work experience and employment opportunities, and offering personal, behavioral and spiritual support and development, all to promote the eventual independence and self-sufficiency of the men they serve. Since 2005, CSA has helped foster independent living for over 3,700 men. They are committed to reconnecting dads, brothers and sons back to families, reengaging men to the power of community, and rebuilding lives through the love of Christ.

Opportunities: They are looking for new board members and/or committee members with management, marketing, computer/IT, strategic planning, and fundraising skills to increase the expertise and size of the Board and its committee structure.

D. Seeds of Literacy

seedsofliteracy.org

Mission: Provide free, personalized education to empower adults to thrive in our community.

Through 1 to 1 tutoring, Seeds of Literacy is able to meet our adult students where they are and support them in reaching their goals whether that is passing the GED or just sharpening their skills. Through our volunteer tutors from many backgrounds, we can provide our program to students at no cost. Tutors do not need any education background, just some patience and a general enjoyment of working with people. With locations both physically at W. 25th and Clark and virtually via Zoom Seeds is accessible to many Ohioans either as a tutor or student.

Opportunities: We are looking for anyone interested in volunteering on a committee!

E. Dobama

dobama.org

Mission: Dobama Theatre is dedicated to premiering important new plays by established and emerging playwrights in professional productions of the highest quality. Through theatrical production, community engagement, and education programming, Dobama nurtures the development of theatre artists and builds new audiences for the arts while provoking an examination of our contemporary world.

Dobama Theatre is an ‘off-Broadway’ professional theatre that currently produces 5 mainstage shows each season. These plays are contemporary works and typically make a statement about the world we live in. We are currently in the 66th season. Additional Dobama programs focus on the lifecycle of a play, teaching playwriting and honoring young playwrights through the Young Playwrights Program and Marilyn Bianchi Kids’ Playwriting Festival, and providing resources for Cleveland area professional playwrights in the Playwrights GYM. Dobama prides itself in being ‘people first’ and creating a culture of authentic inclusivity guided by our “Love and Respect” document.

Opportunities: Dobama Theatre is interested in connecting with young professionals that are interested in getting more involved with the organization. This could include general volunteer work, more specialized board committee work, or full board service.

F. Goods Bank NEO

goodsbankneo.org

Mission: Goods Bank NEO is a nonprofit providing surplus goods to community organizations to enrich the lives of those they serve while reducing waste and protecting the environment.

Every day, individuals and families in our community face challenges meeting their most basic needs. As demand increases, nonprofit resources are stretched thinner than ever. Goods Bank NEO bridges this gap by connecting new, high-quality products with the nonprofits and people who need them most. Together businesses, nonprofits, and individuals we create lasting impacts for people and the planet. Consider the possibilities when surplus turns into opportunity. Companies can easily redirect new, quality products from landfills to nonprofits, ensuring these goods reach those who need them most.

Opportunities: We are seeking Board Positions that can help organize product drives and recruit volunteers.

G. Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center Associate Board New Partners

chsc.org

Mission: Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center provide speech-language, hearing, language interpreting, and Deaf services. We advocate for equal access to information and communication and value all individuals’ language choices equally. 

Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC) has a 100+ year history of helping individuals communicate, connect and become independent members of the Greater Cleveland Community. We are the nation’s oldest hearing and speech center and Northeast Ohio’s only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to serving those with special communication needs. CHSC consistently serves thousands of children and adults each year through the following programs and services: Hearing, Speech-Language and Learning, Language Interpreting, and the Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Center also oversees the management of the Early Intervention Program.

Opportunities: Executive Committee leadership opportunities available! Training and practice that prepares young professionals for future Board of Director membership and learning how a nonprofit functions; A meaningful opportunity to help advance the mission and programs of CHSC.

H. The City Mission

thecitymission.org

Mission: Providing help & hope to all people through the transforming power of God’s love.

The City Mission empowers men, women, and children in crisis to overcome their unique, complex paths to homelessness through holistic, Gospel-centered programs. Because no one person’s needs are the same, we create individualized, comprehensive programs to assist residents in building their stabilized and independent futures. Our mission to reach hearts and change lives in Cleveland has not waivered since 1910, and we will continue to provide basic needs, critical recovery resources, and practical paths to a sustainable future to all seeking help and hope here. We have three main programs to help our residents: Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center, Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center and New Horizons.

Opportunities: We are looking for hardworking and committed individuals in every field to join our Associate Board.

I. Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) Cleveland

mocacleveland.org

Mission: Art Now, in progress…

As a venture-culture agency, we work with artists and art to build comfort with the unfamiliar and open pathways to new ideas. Our goals are to pursue the whys of our shared world, push the boundaries of artistic expression, and propel Cleveland’s cosmopolitan character. moCa delivers connective energy, bold thinking, and first encounters with cutting-edge creativity through exhibitions, commissions, engagement programs, digital media, and collaborations that spark dialogue and inspire new perspectives. We attract curious, open-minded supporters who believe in art’s power to drive progress. Our moCa NOW donor program offers monthly access

to cultural innovators.

Opportunities: Looking for potential new board members! moCa Cleveland is a vibrant, venture cultural organization looking for young professionals to help support, drive, and model artistic and philanthropic innovation.

J. Junior Achievement Greater Cleveland

cleveland.ja.org

Mission: Our mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland empowers young professionals to make a meaningful impact through dynamic volunteer opportunities. Whether mentoring students, leading financial literacy workshops, or participating in career readiness programs, volunteers help inspire the next generation of leaders. JA’s tailored initiatives offer flexible engagement—from one-time classroom visits to ongoing partnerships— perfect for busy professionals seeking purpose-driven involvement. Volunteers gain leadership experience, expand their networks, and contribute to building a financially savvy, workforce-ready youth community across Northeast Ohio.

Opportunities: Joining JA’s Junior Board. Volunteering for JA in-classroom programs. Hosting Site Visits at your place of employment. Participating in other career exploration events, such as Stock Market Challenge, JA Inspire, and Finance Park.

K. Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity

clevelandhabitat.org

Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity believes everyone deserves a safe place to live. We partner with low- to -moderate income families to achieve safe, stable, affordable homeownership; building and rehabbing homes throughout Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, with a focus on strengthening communities, not just constructing houses. Our ReStores extend our mission by selling donated home goods and building materials at affordable prices, keeping usable items out of landfills and helping fund our homebuilding work.

Opportunities: We are seeking motivated, mission driven young professionals (21-35) who want to grow as leaders, contribute their skills, and actively advance affordable homeownership. Ideal members collaborate, volunteer, help plan fundraising events, and shape the launch of this new Junior Board.

L. Victim Assistance Program

victimassistanceprogram.org

Mission: Our mission is to is to empower our community to restore lives impacted by crisis, violence, and tragedy.

The mission of Victim Assistance Program is to empower our community to restore lives impacted by crisis, violence, and tragedy. For 53 years, Victim Assistance Program has served as the only organization locally, and one of few nationally, that provides 24/7/365 crisis intervention and advocacy services to victims of ALL crime and non-crime related trauma. Our organization provides over 4,000 residents and employees of Summit County annually with crisis intervention and advocacy services, free of charge, via on-scene and hospital response, court-based advocacy, and our crisis hotline.

Opportunities: VAP is looking for new Board members with management, legal, HR, hospital/medical/behavioral health, marketing, and fundraising experience to increase and diversify the expertise of the Board of Directors.

M. Shoes and Clothes for Kids

sc4k.org

Mission: The mission of SC4K is to break barriers to school attendance by providing new shoes, clothes, and school supplies for students in need.

In 2024, SC4K distributed 315,655 items valued at $2.7 million to 28,548 students and 1,812 teachers in under-resourced classrooms.

As an Associate Board member, you can help SC4K reach even more kids by using your marketing, fundraising, and event planning skills to spread awareness, connect supporters, and drive impact. Members also volunteer in our Free Store, seeing firsthand the difference SC4K makes for local families. The Associate Board also serves as a pipeline to SC4K’s Board of Directors, with three former Associate Board co-chairs advancing to serve as Board Chairs and demonstrating a clear path to long-term leadership.

Opportunities: We are looking for new members of our Associate Board with skills/background in advocacy, event planning, networking, social media, and passion for children, education, and our mission.

N. Windsong, Cleveland’s Feminist Chorus

windsongcleveland.org

Mission: Windsong, Cleveland’s Feminist Chorus, strives to create a joyful, caring community with a spirit of inclusiveness and diversity. We create music to promote feminism, social justice, activism, and the empowerment that comes from finding one’s own unique voice.

Leading With Love since 1979, Windsong was created as a safe space to sing about things that matter. Our artistic director Dr. Gallager Stuever challenges us now to grow into intersectional feminism and “doing the work to become an actively anti-racist organization, and honoring our transgender, nonbinary, and otherwise gender-expansive siblings in song. “We perform two concerts annually and appear at community gigs and Pride festivals. Membership has almost quadrupled in the last 5 years, and with an Ohio Arts Council Sustainability Grant, we have an opportunity to strategically invest in resources and talent to carry us into the future. We invite you to join our board and bring your perspective and skills to the task of navigating this pivotal opportunity.

Opportunities: Windsong is seeking non-singing board members to help build the required infrastructure to support rapidly growing membership, and opportunities to promote social justice and artistry.

O. Boys and Girls Club Young Professionals Board – Bridge Board

bgcneo.org

Mission: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

The Bridge Board is a group comprised of young professionals with an interest in helping Northeast Ohio’s youth in conjunction with Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio (BGCNEO). The Bridge Board strives to assist the youth of Northeast Ohio in becoming productive, responsible and caring citizens of the Northeast Ohio community. The vision of the Bridge is to promote volunteer efforts for awareness of and contributions to BGCNEO. The Bridge Board provides its members with volunteering, leadership, learning and networking opportunities. The Bridge Board consists of young professionals, age 21-40, from a variety of fields, including law, accounting, finance, marketing, sales, education, non-profit, healthcare and more. All fields are welcome!

Opportunities: We are open to all backgrounds and skills/traits. We are looking for passionate volunteers with the time to be involved in our organization and to volunteer at the clubs, help plan fundraising events and volunteer events.

P. Sew4Service

sew4service.org

Mission: Sew4Service is a service-minded community dedicated to creating positive change by enriching lives and protecting the environment through the practice and preservation of textile arts.

Sew4Service is a community of creative people who sew, quilt, crochet, and knit.  We accept donations of supplies and equipment to upcycle fabric and yarn into handmade items, which are in turn donated to local charities.  We teach people new skills to empower them to be confident creators and to touch the lives of people and pets in their community.  We promote sustainable sewing through our upcycling, recycling and environmental impact programs.

Opportunities: We are seeking board members, or associate board members / committee members to help in the areas of marketing, social media management, human resources, retail and donations, and community outreach. People with an interest in sewing, crocheting, crafting and upcycling to reduce environmental impact will find this work most rewarding.

Q. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland

bbbscle.org

Mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland, we believe that kids who feel connected, who feel invested in, and who have people in their lives to support them, can and WILL achieve their full potential. Every child can benefit from having someone extra in their corner! Our program works by creating one-to-one mentoring matches with a volunteer “Big” and local youth “Little” and providing a dedicated staff member to support the match, free community activities, and keeping child safety in mind. We are always looking for opportunities to connect with potential Bigs, corporate supporters, and community partners to expand our reach across Cuyahoga County.

Opportunities: We are looking for new board members with a passion for youth mentoring! Our board members support our organization at our agency events and become brand ambassadors connecting our mission to new corporate and community partners. We are looking for opportunities to recruit more Bigs and grow across the greater Cleveland area.

R. Ronald McDonald House of NEO

rmhcneo.org

Mission: OUR MISSION is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

Emerging Leaders have a deep passion for the mission of Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, whether connected personally or professionally. We are advocates. In our personal and professional lives, we celebrate the mission of RMH NEO and share its stories of success. We follow through. As Emerging Leaders, we commit to annual goals, plan and host events and seek community support as accountable contributors to the overall goals of RMH NEO. We are generous. We dedicate our time, our energy and our resources, to ensure our diverse passions and expertise are utilized to their full potential to support RMH NEO. We balance work and recreation. As a group of younger professionals, we welcome opportunities for collaboration and celebration.

Opportunities: Leadership council co-chairs serve 2-year terms across our red, gold, volunteerism, and marketing committees.

S. Fairmount Center for the Arts

fairmountcenter.org

Mission: To enrich lives through the arts.

Fairmount Center for the Arts provides class-based instruction in visual and performing arts disciplines as well as community outreach programming to Geauga County and surrounding community residents. As the largest arts organization based in Geauga County, we aim to make the arts accessible to all ages and abilities with about 73% programming focused on youth and the remainder on adults/seniors. Offerings fall within four core disciplines: dance, music, theatre, and visual arts with Creative Art Therapies offerings in dance-movement therapy and art therapy. Fairmount’s latest expansion into Chardon has brought growth opportunities and the organization is looking for new board members and Corporate Council advisory members who will be able to help scale activities outlined in the strategic plan and operations to support this growth.

Opportunities: Fairmount’s newly launched Corporate Council is an opportunity for professionals to engage with nonprofit organizations who are rooted in arts education and offer their business perspectives to further the organization’s growth. The group meets once quarterly and is presented with a question or current business-related issues within the organization to offer council.