Foundation names new leaders

SANDUSKY — The Erie County Community Foundation recently announced the hiring of its new program officer; the placement of three new people to its board of directors along with two new emeritus members; and updated positions of key foundation staff. Program officer The new program officer, Heidi Schlesselman, comes to the community foundation after most recently serving as the market manager for BCSN Erie where she led strategic initiatives to enhance local media presence and community engagement. "Schlesselman is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a strong background in marketing, media and event planning," according to a foundation statement. "She has gained extensive experience working with various media outlets and professional sports teams." In Schlesselman's new role, she will: • Manage and evaluate the foundation's discretionary grants, donor-advised fund grants and youth advisory council grant programs • Oversee the foundation's scholarship programs, maintaining records on scholarship funds and student recipients in compliance with state, federal and IRS requirements • Serve as liaison to the Erie County Community Foundation Scholarship Committee, high school and college counselors, donors and students to increase the number of students applying each year for scholarship assistance Board of directors Here's a look at the foundation's new board of directors members: Kate Repola Repola serves as executive director of Main Street Vermilion where she leads community revitalization efforts, downtown development initiatives and programs that support local businesses and preserve Vermilion's historic character. A fifth-generation Vermilionite, "Kate brings deep local roots and a strong commitment to promoting the community she calls home," the foundation noted. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in political science. In addition to her work with Main Street Vermilion, Kate serves as vice president of the Heritage Ohio Main Street Managers Advisory Committee. She also previously served on the Vermilion Parks and Recreation Board, first as a member and later as chair. Kate and her husband, Kurt, have two children, Max and Georgia, both attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Matthew Stahl Stahl serves as the chief financial officer for VacationLand Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Sandusky. Prior to returning to the region, he worked for KeyBank and Crowe Horwath where he became a certified public accountant. He also serves on the board of the Sandusky Central Catholic Schools Foundation and Family Health Services. He earned his master's degree from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh and his bachelor's degree from the University of Mount Union. Tracey Campbell Campbell is the senior director of behavioral health for Firelands Regional Medical Center. In this role, she oversees the inpatient psychiatric unit and six outpatient offices spanning a five-county region. She has over 30 years of experience in the behavioral health field, which has given her the opportunity to network with a variety of social services systems in Erie and surrounding counties. She has served on numerous committees locally and statewide. In 2023, she was invited by the former director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to participate in a workgroup reviewing laws pertaining to the powers and duties of mental health boards. In 2024, Tracey was contacted by Clinic-Sync, a statewide Health Information Exchange, to collaborate on the development of protocols for releasing protected health information. She recently worked directly with the Ohio Department of Medicaid to address issues pertaining to outpatient hospital billing for behavioral health services. Campbell is an active member of the Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Providers and has recently been re-elected to serve her third consecutive term on the board of trustees. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from BGSU and a master's degree in community counseling from the University of Toledo. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor and has a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Health Care Certification. Campbell resides in Huron with her husband, Michael. Board chair The foundation also announced its new board chair, Abbey Bemis. Bemis is the first-ever chief operating officer at Payne Nickles & Company. With a master of business administration from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and a bachelor's degree from Denison University, "Bemis brings an illustrious career in economic development and strategic oversight, previously serving as the executive director for Erie County Economic Development Corp. and Erie County Port Authority," the foundation noted. With a Sandusky residency spanning a decade, "Abbey has ingrained herself in the community, enhancing her role as an influential figure in her firm and her region," the statement read. New era Many are excited about the foundation's new leadership additions. "We are thrilled to welcome Heidi, Kate, Matt, Tracey and Abbey to Erie County Community Foundation," said Elizabeth Maiden, the foundation's president and CEO. "They each bring invaluable expertise and passion to our shared mission of enriching the lives of the people of Erie County by addressing community needs, providing leadership and cultivating resources for a lasting impact," Maiden added. "Their impressive skills and dedication will add immeasurable strength to our pursuits." Emeritus entries Lee Alexakos and Ron Parthemore begin their emeritus status effective immediately. • Alexakos is the former chair of the foundation's board. With more than 40 years of experience at Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., Alexakos brings extensive expertise in community relations. A lifelong resident of Sandusky, "Lee's dedication extends to various boards, reflecting her commitment to the community's well-being," the foundation noted. • Parthemore is the foundation's immediate past board chair. He brings extensive experience from his role as president of strategic planning solutions and business manager for Buderer Drug Co. With degrees from Bowling Green State University and post-graduate studies in organizational development, "Ron is committed to community leadership," the partnership noted. Other promotions The foundation also announced several promotions among its staff: • Maiden to president and CEO • Paul Freeman to vice president of development and marketing • Randy Wagner to vice president of finance and administration • Pam Provo to executive assistant Bio blast The Erie County Community Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to building a thriving and vibrant Erie County. After celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, the organization "addresses community needs, provides leadership and cultivates resources for a lasting impact," according to an organizational statement. Its primary purpose: "provide a means for people to make permanent gifts of assets to enhance the quality of life in Erie County and Sandusky, Ohio —today, tomorrow and forever," it read. The foundation is governed by an independent board of directors and officers, comprised of Erie County business, civic and nonprofit leaders. Its board of directors • Employs the foundation's president and CEO • Establishes policies and priorities • Directs final grantmaking decisions. "The board's strength lies in the diverse range of knowledge and expertise of its members and in their shared commitment to improving the quality of life in Erie County," the statement read. Since Erie County Community Foundation's founding in 1995, the foundation has grown from assets totaling $1.8 million to nearly $53 million in 2025. During this time, the foundation has distributed more than $27 million to area nonprofits and students for local projects, programs, scholarships, services and initiatives to improve the quality of life in Erie County.