Staff
Mike Deetsch
Executive Director
Deetsch brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience within urban and rural settings, including significant contributions to the Toledo Museum of Art, where he most recently served as director of development.
As the executive director of the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation, Deetsch oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of the organization, working closely with the board, staff, and the communities the Foundation serves. His appointment marked a pivotal moment for the organization as it embarked on a new chapter of impact.
Maria Iafelice
Community Impact Officer
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.
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.
Sarah Hickernell
Director of Operations
Sarah is the Director of Operations at the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation, bringing over 20 years of experience in nonprofit operations and development. She has held leadership roles at the Toledo Museum of Art, Owens Community College Foundation, and Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, where she specialized in optimizing systems, fundraising, and strategic growth.
With an MBA in Project Management and certifications from Cornell, Princeton, and the University of Colorado Boulder, Sarah blends strategic foresight with technical expertise. A certified Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge Professional (BCRE-Pro) and Certified Ethical Emerging Technologist (CEET), she excels in process optimization, project management, and relationship building. Her passion lies in helping organizations grow, fostering strong community connections, and driving meaningful impact.
Mary Isabell-Kinsman
Foundation Coordinator
Mary Isabell-Kinsman serves as the Foundation Coordinator at the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. She began her nonprofit career at the Toledo Symphony, where she combined her music background with a newfound passion for fundraising. She went on to support science education and advocate for women and girls in STEM through her work at Imagination Station, and later transitioned to healthcare philanthropy, inspired by the disparities highlighted during the 2020 pandemic.
Mary is the Immediate Past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Northwest Ohio Chapter and is dedicated to fostering collaboration among nonprofits to strengthen communities and steward donors. A lifelong Girl Scout with Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, she enjoys reading, camping, and traveling with her husband Josh, daughter Lottie, and their dog Sophie.
