Policy Matters names Cynthia Connolly resource development manager
Posted on 06/29/15
Connolly brings social justice and fundraising experience to new role.Contact: Amy Hanauer, 216.361-9801
Policy Matters Ohio has named Cynthia Connolly, an experienced fundraiser with solid understanding of public policy, as the organization’s new resource development manager.
Cynthia served for four years as resource development and governance manager at Ohio City Incorporated. She holds a master’s degree in public administration and non-profit management from Cleveland State University, and a bachelor’s degree in American culture and Native American studies from the University of Michigan.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cynthia Connolly to the Policy Matters staff,” said Amy Hanauer, Policy Matters Executive Director. “I love the experience, energy, knowledge and passion Cynthia brings to getting the resources we need to fight for a more equitable and vibrant Ohio.”
Cynthia has long been a social justice advocate, previously serving as a youth representative at the National Congress of American Indians, which advocates for government policies to help indigenous people. Cynthia represented her tribe, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, located in northern Michigan.
Her commitment to helping underrepresented groups led Cynthia to study fundraising during her graduate work.
“Over the years, I have fostered a deep enthusiasm for policy change to improve the lives of those in our communities,” she said. “I refocused my career on resource development to ensure our community organizations have the much-needed resources to effectively achieve their goals and mission.”
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Cynthia moved to Cleveland in 2007. She lives in Ohio City with her husband, Joseph, and two daughters, ages 2 years and 7 months. In her spare time, she volunteers tutoring, mentoring and providing test preparation and college admission assistance to area Native American youths. She also plays in the Cleveland Heights Women’s Ice Hockey League.