Staff

Team Member Since: 2017

Over the past 30 years, Cindy has held a variety of senior management positions in the private and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining the Community Foundation in 2017, Cindy was the executive director at Oberlin Community Services, a social services organization serving southern Lorain County. Before joining OCS, Cindy spent 26 years at IBM in key management positions, including senior location executive of the company’s Northeast Ohio geography responsible for over 400 IBMers and and the relationship with the business and philanthropic community. Cindy also led the IBM Education Industry team for the Public Sector Americas. She was the sales and business development expert in working with colleges, universities, and large urban school districts. Cindy led the IBM Smarter City regional event bringing together industry thought leaders in health care, education, manufacturing and distribution.

During her career with IBM, she has earned numerous awards for business development and client satisfaction. She is also a member of IBM’s Golden Circle and has earned multiple IBM 100% Club awards. Cindy has served on the board of trustees of the United Way of Greater Cleveland, Business Volunteers Unlimited, The Center for Families and Children and Oberlin Community Services.

Currently, Cindy serves on the board of directors of Mercy Health Lorain and the Fund for Our Economic Future.

Cindy holds an MBA and a BS in marketing from the Pennsylvania State University.

She is married to Geoffrey G. Andrews and has two children, Michael and Rachael.

Originally from LaGrange, Ohio, Brittany studied Mathematics Education at Bowling Green State University and began her career teaching math at both the middle and high school levels. Today, she serves as Scholarship Coordinator, where she combines her love of education with helping students access opportunities that shape their futures. Brittany is also pursuing a master’s degree in School Counseling, which continues to fuel her passion for student success.

Zaida oversees the financial operations that support the Foundation’s mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter. A lifelong resident of Lorain County, Zaida earned an Associate Degree in Business from Lorain County Community College, along with a Human Resources certification.

Before joining the Foundation, Zaida spent more than ten years with Lorain National Bank—now Northwest Bank—where she developed extensive experience in finance, operations, and customer service. Her background in banking and her dedication to community-centered work guide her approach to financial stewardship and organizational support.

Zaida lives in Amherst with her husband and their three sons. She is passionate about finance and deeply committed to serving and strengthening the community she calls home.

Before joining the Foundation, Shateka worked at The Nord Center—now Riveon Mental Health and Recovery —as an Engagement Specialist, where she gained valuable experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. In that role, she provided compassionate assistance, guided clients through challenging situations, and connected community members with vital resources during times of need.

She brings that same dedication, empathy, and commitment to service to her work at the Foundation, helping ensure a welcoming and supportive experience for all who engage with the organization.

She is an Elyria native and a Lorain County Community College alumna. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and is the proud mother of a 21-year-old daughter.

Jacob is a 2025 E.W. Scripps School of Journalism graduate from Ohio University, with a strong passion for fusing authentic storytelling with resource advocacy. As a former Beth K. Stocker Cutler Scholar during his undergrad, philanthropy in Lorain County has had an immeasurable impact on his personal and professional journeys leading him through internships and part-time positions at Lorain County Community College and Pioneer Athletics, and now, the Community Foundation of Lorain County.

Grace graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in international studies and a minor in German. Their interests include cross-cultural learning, global governance, and the ways local organizations shape international outcomes. They are committed to strengthening community institutions and building durable relationships across cultures. Grace is an alum of the Youth Fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, where they served two years as president. They continue to grow their professional path in the nonprofit sector. Grace was raised in Wellington and lives there with their cat, Sam. 

Team Member Since: 2019

Alison holds a BS in Accounting and Finance from Miami University and is a licensed CPA. Prior to joining the Foundation, Alison worked in both public and nonprofit accounting.  Alison lives in Avon Lake with her husband, Ken, and their four daughters.

Team Member Since: 2013

Rachel is a graduate of LCCC with a degree in Business Administration. She joined the Foundation after serving Lorain National Bank in the Trust Department for 17 years. During her time at the bank, the Community Foundation was one of her primary clients. Rachel lives in Amherst with her husband, Edwin.

Team Member Since: 2019

Jamie is a graduate of Ohio University and had previously served as COO for the Great Lakes Science Center.  She has held positions in both the public and nonprofit sectors including an international real estate company and a public relations firm.  Jamie lives in Avon with her husband, John, and three sons.

Colleen holds a Master of Health Education from Plymouth State University and a Bachelor of Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University. With over 10 years of experience in resource development and community relations, Colleen is dedicated to fostering connections with community members, financial professionals, non-profit organizations, and businesses to strengthen the Community Foundation’s philanthropy. She previously led marketing and engagement efforts at the United Way of Greater Lorain County, where she cultivated key community and corporate relationships to support fundraising initiatives. She holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, demonstrating her expertise in process improvement through data-driven strategies to enhance efficiency and drive organizational growth. With a strong track record in relationship building, Colleen is passionate about working with community members to help fulfill their charitable goals.

Britney Ware is passionate about connecting people, ideas, and opportunities to create lasting impact in her community. She leads initiatives that support volunteer-led projects, uplift grassroots leaders, and expand early literacy through programs that strengthen collaboration and equity across Lorain County. A graduate of Hiram College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Business Management.

Born and raised in Oberlin, Britney now lives in Cleveland with her daughter, Octavia, and continues to carry her hometown values into every aspect of her work.

Lynn is a graduate of Ohio University. Lynn is a lifelong resident of Lorain and a graduate of Admiral King High School. Lynn’s professional career includes ten years as a Program Director, where she has developed many partnerships with organizations in Lorain County. Lynn is embedded in the community and has advocated for the most vulnerable and marginalized. She is married and has one daughter.