TOLEDO, Ohio — October 23, 2024 —  The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of a new role, Community Impact Officer, and the appointment of Maria Iafelice to lead this important initiative. A dedicated leader in the nonprofit sector, Iafelice brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, strategic partnerships, and capacity-building for mission-driven organizations. Her commitment to working alongside community partners aligns with the Foundation’s mission to create meaningful and lasting change across the region.

With a proven track record in strategic thinking, facilitation, and building partnerships, Iafelice is well-equipped to lead the Foundation’s efforts in tackling complex social issues. Her work has consistently focused on engaging stakeholders and developing initiatives that uplift neighborhoods, making her an ideal fit for the Foundation’s vision.

"We are excited to welcome Maria Iafelice to the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation,” said Mike Deetsch, executive director of the Foundation. “Her passion for building relationships across communities, combined with her capacity-building experience within the nonprofit field will be instrumental as we continue to expand our outreach and impact.”

Iafelice’s career includes key roles in nonprofit and cultural institutions, including the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning and most recently, the Toledo Museum of Art. During her time in Toledo, she launched community-based initiatives like the award-winning Teen Leaders program, co-wrote the museum’s inaugural Belonging Plan, and helped establish a multi-year outreach initiative. She was also recognized as the 2019 Emerging Professional of the Year by the Ohio Museums Association.

“I am honored to join the team at the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation and contribute deeply to the efforts to achieve housing stability, food security, and equity in youth education, as well as supporting rural libraries,” said Iafelice. “In my role, I am looking forward to connecting with partners across the Northwest Ohio region so together we can create lasting change and empower our communities.”

Beyond her professional roles, Iafelice has been deeply involved in public service, strategic planning and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as Board President of Public Works Collaborative, Board Treasurer of the Collingwood Arts Center, and Visual Arts Chair for the Black Swamp Arts Festival. Her leadership extends to the food and hospitality industry, where she co-operates Jonny Burritos LLC, a community-focused food truck based in Findlay, Ohio.

Iafelice holds an M.A. and B.A. in art education from Kent State University and has participated in prestigious leadership programs, including the 2018 NextGen Museum Leadership class at the Getty Leadership Institute and a 2021 fellowship at Leadership Ohio.

In her new role as Community Impact Officer, Iafelice will work closely with the Foundation’s team and board of directors to design and implement initiatives that address critical needs in the community, from housing and food security to educational equity. Her appointment underscores the Foundation’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges and fostering a more equitable, empowered community.

For more information about the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation and its mission, please visit jhefoundation.org.

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About John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation

The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation proudly funds nonprofits and libraries dedicated to addressing critical aspects of society, such as food insecurity, housing stability, and youth education. Since our inception in 2012, we've had the privilege of making substantial contributions, totaling $3,046,900, to over 85 nonprofit organizations in the Greater Toledo Area and small, rural libraries in low-income communities. These contributions include the most recent grant cycle in 2023.

As a young and growing organization, The Foundation aspires to be a beacon of hope, embodying the values of our founder, John Henry Eldred Jr. His legacy of generosity and community service serves as our guiding light. Through strategic investments and unwavering dedication, we remain committed to uplifting families and communities, ensuring a lasting impact in the lives of those we have the privilege to serve.

For more information, please visit jhefoundation.org/.