The Nonprofit Administration Program is very excited to share that Todd Gaydosh is the new Executive Director of the Foundation for Geauga Parks. Todd is a double JCU alumni who joined the Nonprofit Administration program immediately following the completion of his undergraduate degree in Education.
Gaydosh accepted his new role after serving as a Unit Executive for the Boys Scouts of America. Todd credits the Boy Scouts of America, USA Wrestling, Cleveland Metroparks, and Camp Cheerful as influential to his personal growth and to him realizing his passion for service and social justice.
The Foundation for Geauga Parks is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1990. He said, “Our philanthropic mission is to raise money to fund community engagement with nature through education, preservation, conservation, and appreciation of the unique natural character of Geauga County. In addition, we help to preserve and conserve green spaces.”
He also shared that the Foundation helps enhance parks for passive recreation and enjoyment while educating young people to care for and appreciate the environment. In his role, Todd plans to lead the Foundation by advancing its mission through development, programming, management, marketing, public relations, and planning.
He said, “I am working to initiate and develop strategic relationships and networks with Northeast Ohio organizations and individuals to support the Foundation’s philanthropic work and further its mission. I will also serve as the external face of the Foundation on a day-to-day basis.”
In his role as executive director, Todd believes in the possibility to build respect for natural resources and those who enjoy them. He plans to do so through substantial community engagement with members of Geauga County. Personally, Todd hopes to positively influence his local community spurring on more remarkable change worldwide. “I hope to do this through cultivating impactful relationships, investing in people, and giving back to the community. I love the beauty of nature, and Geauga County’s Parks are ideal examples of the scenic vision of Ohio’s landscape,” Gaydosh said.
Todd touched on his time in the program and said that the John Carroll University Nonprofit Administration Program helped prepare him for his role in various ways.
He explained, “First, it helped me understand the scope of nonprofit organizational finance and the importance of meaningful philanthropy. The program taught me how to work with a board of directors impactfully and how to research grant opportunities. Finally, it encouraged me to do an independent study to create a nonprofit organization, Beat the Streets Cleveland (BTS CLE).”
Beat the Streets Cleveland’s mission is “to positively alter life’s trajectory for K-12 student-athletes in the City of Cleveland by giving them access to youth development, mentoring, and wrestling.”
Todd is proud to say that BTS CLE is still working hard and growing with the hiring of our new Executive Director and JCU Nonprofit Administration Alumni, Demetrius Williams.
Todd left us with, “Overall, it [JCU NPA Program] gave me the drive to seek out and connect with organizations with a mission I truly believe in.”
Please join us in congratulating Todd Gaydosh on this tremendous accomplishment! He is truly an “unapologetic social justice leader!”
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