Nonprofit Couples on the Rise

As a married couple working within the nonprofit sector for more than 16 years, we Mariners thought it time to recognize others with similar shared passions. We asked for nominations and selected couples whose influence is on the rise and across the nonprofit spectrum. We salute their paired efforts on behalf of Greater Cincinnati nonprofits.

Jackie Congedo, Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center; Adam Baker, Breakthrough T1D 

After starting their careers as journalists, Adam and Jackie both transitioned to the nonprofit sector to make an even greater impact. Jackie was recently named CEO of the Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center, where she is ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Adam has served in communications and fundraising leadership roles at Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, United Way of Greater Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s. He recently joined the national team for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) as the national director of strategic philanthropic communications. They’ve always been drawn to purpose-driven work and believe it’s the best way to make the world a better place for everyone, including their two young girls. Outside of work, Jackie enjoys singing and has participated in the May Festival Chorus. Adam enjoys gardening, creative writing and is a proud finisher of the Flying Pig Half Marathon.

Rachel Stallings, Activities Beyond the Classroom; Tyran Stallings, The DAD Initiative

Rachel and Tyran Stallings have made Cincinnati a better place for local children, especially those from marginalized and historically underserved populations. Tyran, aside from being a partner at Buildwell Development Group, is the founder and executive director of the DAD (Directing Adolescent Development) Initiative, dedicated to providing mentoring, cultural and career exposure, and 21st-century skills training for Black youth. Rachel has devoted her career to serving low-income students in grades K-12; as deputy director of Activities Beyond the Classroom, she oversees the programmatic footprint affecting more than 27,000 students annually. In their free time, they each devote additional time to the community by volunteering on boards (Tyran is on the board of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati; Rachel just completed a four-year tenure on UpSpring’s board), and they spend their downtime together flipping houses, enjoying Cincinnati’s nightlife and traveling.

LeAnne Anklan, Great Parks of Hamilton County; Matthew Anklan, Wright State University

Music has shaped the lives of LeAnne and Matt Anklan since they met in the University of Cincinnati pep band in 2003. She played flute and he was beginning his career as a trumpeter and educator. In 2010, LeAnne returned to CCM for a nonprofit management degree in arts administration, leading to roles at the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, the inaugural season of the Constella Festival, and eventually the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra (now Summermusik). Together, they co-founded the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, now in its 12th season. Currently, LeAnne works in fundraising as director of donor engagement for Great Parks, while Matt is a trumpet professor at Wright State University and performs with various orchestras and ensembles around the region. In their (limited) free time, they enjoy exploring Cincinnati’s arts events, dining at new restaurants, rooting on the Bearcats and traveling. So far, they’ve visited 24 states and four countries together.

Mary Welsh and Dr. Frank Schlueter, Partnership for Innovation in Education

Mary Welsh is founder and CEO of Partnership for Innovation in Education (PIE), a nonprofit focused on career readiness initiatives for Ohio’s youth in fields like healthcare, IT, drone engineering and advanced manufacturing. Since 2009, she and her husband, Dr. Frank Schlueter – a radiologist and PIE board secretary – have led the organization in building connections between industry experts, educators and state agencies. Under their leadership, PIE serves more than 1.6 million students and 20,000 educators across Ohio, offering experiential learning and professional development. PIE’s programs enable students to explore in-demand careers through hands-on experiences, including a recent initiative with Honda, introducing underserved Cincinnati students to fields like advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle engineering. Mary enjoys biking, hiking and tennis, while Frank favors biking, golf and skiing. Fun fact: They met through Cincinnati Magazine personals.

Brooke Desserich and Keith Desserich, The Cure Starts Now 

Brooke and Keith Desserich founded The Cure Starts Now Foundation in 2007 after the loss of their first child, Elena, to diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a form of pediatric brain cancer. Their book “Notes Left Behind,” which describes their journey, became a New York Times bestseller and was published in 22 languages. They received recognition in 2015 from the Jefferson Awards Foundation and won the Jacqueline Onassis Award, considered the Nobel Prize for public and community service. The Desserichs goal to fuel research and support for families has turned into a global network connecting more than 1,000 families and has funded more than $34 million in research and support, including 125 medical grants to 100 hospitals. Brooke is the organization’s CEO, and Keith serves as board chair. What started as one family in Cincinnati is now a global movement with 50 chapters across three countries. The Desserich’s impact is a beacon of hope for all who have been touched by cancer. When they have any free time, they enjoy visiting the lake with their two daughters.

Joel Bokelman and Marnie Bokelman, ChangingGears

Marnie and Joel Bokelman are co-founders of ChangingGears, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that tackles poverty through affordable car ownership. Joel, the executive director, has used his vision and dedication to provide reliable transportation to over 300 clients annually, helping families overcome employment barriers. Marnie, as event coordinator, organizez community events, provides client support and shares success stories that inspire others. Together, they have grown ChangingGears into a staff of 11 and host the annual Grand Prix, a pedal kart relay fundraiser that attracts 350 attendees and raises $150,000 annually. From the organization’s early days, when Joel’s young daughter humorously questioned his “stealing” of donated cars, to today’s flourishing nonprofit, the Bokelmans’ commitment has been unwavering. When not working, they enjoy family time outdoors and church volunteer work. Their passion and dedication to serving the community have earned them widespread respect and recognition.

Jim Murphy and Donna Murphy, Heaven’s Gain Ministries

Inspired by difficult statistics and devastating losses of their own three babies to miscarriage, Jim and Donna Murphy established their nonprofit, Heaven’s Gain Ministries, in their basement. Today, operating from an office in Cincinnati, they employ six people and utilize 50 volunteers. According to Donna, executive director of Heaven’s Gain, she considers herself and Jim, the organization’s executive director, to be an “empowered couple,” stating, “Our ministry was inspired when Jim and I were desperate for help with our own loss. Today, the ministry we started receives families, shocked and fearful, into our office who have just received a devastating perinatal diagnosis. After effectively sharing our resources, HGM sends these parents forward, ready to meet their baby and to treasure the time they will have with their child.” The Murphys enjoy the company of their eight children and grandchildren. They regularly manage to carve out time to travel to a Florida beach.

Morgan Whaley and Andre Whaley, Love in Action

Andre and Morgan Whaley, founders of Love in Action, have transformed their passion for service into a community hub in Mount Healthy. Since 2020 their organization has provided essential resources, including a food pantry, diaper bank, job training, laundry services and mental health support, assisting 150 families weekly. Their mission attempts to reflect Christ’s love through action, fulfilling basic needs and building community resilience. Besides running the nonprofit – Morgan as CEO and Andre as COO – the Whaleys also pastor their church and raise a family. Their food pantry supplies nutritious groceries to those facing food insecurity, while mental health services include counseling and workshops to break the stigma around mental wellness. Additionally, they offer free laundry days and a diaper giveaway program, supporting families’ hygiene and childcare needs. Through their dedication, the Whaleys have created a caring, inclusive environment that strengthens the community.

Chris Seelbach, Ohio Alleycat Resource & Spay/Neuter Clinic; Craig Schultz, College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation

While Craig Schultz and Chris Seelbach lead in different nonprofit sectors, their efforts have a common theme of helping communities in Cincinnati. Craig is dedicated to building sustainable and inclusive communities, and his leadership as senior director of real estate development at CHCURC reflects his strong commitment to equitable urban development. After serving more than 10 years on Cincinnati City Council, Chris became executive director of OAR in 2022. He leads a team of 30 employees and more than 650 volunteers. All work together to improve the lives of cats, and the people who love them, through low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter services as well as adopting out homeless cats. Seelbach and Schultz have been together for nearly 20 years and were married in Puerto Vallarta in 2018 – right in the middle of Hurricane Willa, at an outdoor venue! In their free time, they enjoy exploring restaurants in Cincinnati’s urban core.

Stephen Mosby, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative; Jazmine Mosby, Main Street Ventures

Jazmine and Stephen Mosby are highly regarded in Greater Cincinnati nonprofit circles for their commitment to creating meaningful change in their community. Jazmine, a skilled communicator and organizer, is manager of special events and operations for Main Street Ventures, leading successful campaigns and events that bring together participants and connect them to resources to help them thrive both personally and as entrepreneurs. Stephen’s work in community engagement as corporate program manager for CYC has fostered innovative partnerships benefiting diverse populations of students in Cincinnati Public Schools and beyond. Together, they bring strategic insights to their work and local community projects. When not working, Jazmine and Stephen, along with their young daughter and two dogs, enjoy staying active and exploring the region, often spending time in service to others. A little-known fact is that they met in a very Cincinnati way, at a Reds game. The Mosbys’ dedication to each other and their community reflects a unique partnership that enriches all aspects of their lives.

Krista Pille, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati; Rodger Pille, Cincinnati Landmark Productions

Rodger and Krista Pille have a combined 51 years working in the local arts and entertainment sector, with both of them now serving as senior leaders with their respective organizations. Interestingly, they each began their careers at local media outlets, often using those platforms to promote the vibrant arts scene in Cincinnati. While both work for performing arts organizations, they differ in their specific focus. Krista uses her infectious, cheerful energy to introduce young audiences to the world of theater as sales and marketing director for The Children’s Theatre, often serving as the gateway to a lifetime of arts appreciation. Rodger’s passion for his beloved West Side comes through in his work as executive director of Landmark Productions, revitalizing East Price Hill, West Price Hill and Westwood through its three arts venues. When not working, the Pilles often watch their 16-year-old son Charlie perform in shows or with his rock band Monkey’s Uncle.

Tyler Roe, nonprofit consultant; Helene Herbert, Great Parks of Hamilton County

Helene Herbert and Tyler Roe have dedicated their careers to the nonprofit sector in Cincinnati since entering the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music arts administration program in 2010. Tyler spent the past decade working for the UC Foundation, while also working with local arts organizations, including Linton Chamber Music, Chamber Music Cincinnati and Cincinnati Boychoir. Helene, grants manager for Great Parks, has worked in fundraising for May Festival and Playhouse in the Park and as a grant writing consultant with a variety of area nonprofits. She previously served as president of Collegium Cincinnati and today is on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Tyler and Helene also volunteer for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra/Summermusik. They enjoy traveling, as well as cooking and hiking with their dogs. As a nod to the couple’s love for Cincinnati’s arts scene, they were married at Wash Park Art Gallery and the artists’ wall still bears their signatures.

Leon Barton, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Jeni Barton, ArtsWave

Leon and Jeni Barton have become staples of Cincinnati’s nonprofit arts community. They go above and beyond to infuse their love for the arts and this city with their professional skills. As director of digital products with ArtsWave, Jeni recently oversaw the creation of the ArtsWave app, launching the organization – and the broader arts sector – into the digital era. As website manager at the CSO, Leon has led projects to enhance user experience, cybersecurity and a cross-departmental, year-long upgrade to the customer relationship management database. Beyond work, Leon performs as DJ Mech for community events, and Jeni, as a Miami University visiting faculty member, empowers future generations through design. They enjoy record digging, art museums, road trips and video games. Though they feel like Cincinnati natives, the Bartons moved here from Delaware 10 years ago, where they met while working at a credit card company in Wilmington.