Billy Mann, an accomplished leader in the Toledo philanthropy community, will join the staff of Metroparks Toledo as chief philanthropy officer.

Mann, a Toledo native, has dedicated much of his life to community service, youth development and philanthropic leadership. He is a graduate of St. John’s Jesuit High School and holds degrees in business and communications from Loyola University in Chicago.

He will replace Ally Effler, chief advancement officer, who is stepping down from the position in mid-to-late June to create time for her family after more than 20 years in development work, the last nine at Metroparks.

“The timing of the transition aligns well with the completion of the current phase of the Glass City Riverwalk initiative and the organization’s upcoming strategic planning efforts,” said Dave Zenk, executive director of Metroparks Toledo. “A clear transition plan is in place to ensure continuity in donor relationships, board engagement and overall organizational momentum.”

Mann has been a member of the staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo since 2009. As senior director of development he led efforts that raised millions of dollars in support of local youth programs, including more than $2.5 million in recent years. He oversaw annual fundraising goals, donor stewardship, grant initiatives, board engagement and marketing & communications strategy. With his leadership, the organization significantly expanded its donor footprint and increased participation across giving programs, events and campaigns. He spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the organization’s signature Barefoot at the Beach fundraiser, 125th anniversary celebration and major gift initiatives.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build upon my love for the Toledo region to a scale that includes helping people in our community and the environment through the conservation and protection of our natural resources,” Mann said. “Blending passions for people and the beauty of the outdoors makes this a once in a lifetime adventure.

“Toledo is at an incredible turning point,” he added. “I can’t wait to build on that momentum through Metroparks Toledo’s tremendous leadership and Ally’s legacy in the philanthropic landscape. To carry her baton on is a true honor, and I am excited to blaze the trail ahead.”

Mann was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Toledo for more than 16 years, serving in leadership positions including president and scholarship chair. He has also served on the board of the Holiday with Heart Charity Gala and Equality Toledo as board president. Currently, Mann is a Rotarian, an Eagle Scout member of the Erie Shores Council Scouting Board, and Board President of the Old Orchard Neighborhood Association.

He was recently recognized as one of Toledo’s 20 under 40, and shortly thereafter was chosen as one of five Toledoans to play the role as “Mother Ginger” in the 85^th production of the Toledo Ballet’s Nutcracker.  

Under Effler, the Metroparks Toledo Foundation was relaunched and counted among its earliest achievements raising $1.5 million to build the Cannaley Treehouse Village at Oak Openings Preserve.

The ongoing development of the Glass City Riverwalk, Metroparks largest undertaking in it’s nearly 100-year history, has been the major focus of the foundation in recent years, raising nearly $20 million for the historic transformation of the downtown Toledo riverfront.

“We are incredibly grateful for Ally’s leadership and impact over the years,” Zenk said. “She has played a critical role in building and strengthening the Foundation while advancing truly transformational work for our community. Thanks in large part to her efforts, the organization is in a position of real strength and momentum. We deeply appreciate the professionalism, care and vision she has brought to the role that she created.”

“Metroparks Toledo is entering an exciting new chapter, built upon an incredibly strong foundation,” said Richard Hylant, president of the Metroparks Toledo Foundation board. “We are deeply appreciative of Ally’s remarkable leadership and the transformational impact she has had in strengthening philanthropy at Metroparks. At the same time, we are excited to welcome Billy Mann, whose experience, energy and commitment to community will help continue the momentum and support the bold vision ahead for Metroparks and our foundation.”