A: Eight years ago, I was a private banker and served on the Dayton Foundation’s development committee. Foundation Vice President of Development Joe Baldassare said during the meeting that he wants to “slow down into retirement” and that the foundation plans to post him a position. I thought my dream was to one day work for a nonprofit organization. Initially, I had planned to take up this job after all my children were grown and graduated from university, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.
Q: What brought you to this point in your career?
A: I love that the Dayton Foundation helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals, no matter their passion or income. It’s an amazing feeling to see the joy people experience when they know we can help them and honor their or a loved one’s legacy of philanthropy. In this role, I will be able to use my investment banking skills and trust knowledge, as well as the relationships I have built with advisors, to further our philanthropic work in the region.
Q: Who do you consider to be your professional board of directors (the people you go to for advice and support)?
A: I learned a lot from Joe Baldassare and Dayton Foundation President Mike Parks. We are both creative thinkers and are always looking for ways to say “yes”. This is something that I personally value and am mindful of. They have taught me a lot about philanthropy in our region and how to help donors when the path forward is not always clear. Jennifer Fox is also a friend of mine since we were five years old and someone I have worked with professionally in banking for many years. I appreciate her opinion because she doesn’t have to force anything on me. We give each other real advice, listen, and don’t judge when a situation requires help.
Q: What advice would you give to women advancing their careers?
A: Always be open to meeting new people and doing uncomfortable things. One thing I’ve realized through the evolution of my career is that it’s okay to not have a timeline planned for your entire career. Some opportunities, such as the Dayton Foundation position for me, may find you when you least expect it. I didn’t care at the time, but now it’s a perfect fit.
Q: What kind of job did you want to have when you were a child?
A: I always wanted to be a doctor and went to medical school. I took a vacation, started going to the bank (just to pay my bills), and never looked back.
Q: Are you involved in any groups, boards, or non-profits?
A: Philanthropic Society of Ohio, board member and currently treasurer. Learn how to make money in Dayton, board members. Empowering Cohort 6 through Dayton leadership, the Alumni Board, and the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.
I would like to introduce you
Are you a woman in business leadership or know one we should feature? Email mandy.gambrell@coxinc.com for more information.
