Strasfeld Stepping Down from Youngstown Foundation

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – After nearly 14 years leading The Youngstown Foundation, Jan Strasfeld is stepping down as executive director of the foundation.

Under her leadership, the foundation doubled its fund assets, developed new initiatives to provide services and became a regional leader in grantmaking.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to experience firsthand the generosity and caring spirit of our community,” Strasfeld said in a statement. “I am grateful to the foundation leaders for their trust and empowerment, and I will forever treasure this opportunity to make a meaningful difference.”   

Strasfeld will remain in her position until a successor is chosen and acclimated to the position to ensure a smooth transition.

“Jan has merged her passion for this community with her leadership at the Foundation,” said Eugenia Atkinson, chairwoman of the Youngstown Foundation’s distribution committee. “She has been steadfast in her commitment to the foundation’s mission and its responsibility as a trusted partner and civic leader in addressing community issues. I know I speak for the entire Youngstown Foundation family when I say that Jan will be missed.”

During her tenure, the foundation invested in the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre in downtown Youngstown, the Michael Kusalaba Library branch on the West Side and the Walnut Grove all-inclusive playground in Canfield.

She helped create the YSTAR program, which awards up to $6,000 in scholarship funds to every graduate of Youngstown City School District who chooses to attend Youngstown State University or Eastgate Community College.

In celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2018, the Youngstown Foundation increased its match for donations to local charities through its Support Fund from 5% to 10%, generating over $1 million annually. In anticipation of COVID-19’s impact on the community, Strasfeld and leaders from the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and the Raymond John Wean Foundation collaborated on a joint COVID-19 Crisis Relief and Stabilization grant application which has so far distributed over $1 million to local charities.

The job posting, as well as information on the application process, is available at YoungstownFoundation.org.

Pictured: Jan Strasfeld, who has led The Youngstown Foundation for nearly 14 years, is stepping down from her position as executive director.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.