ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL OF CLEVELAND

About the Program

A panel of local community foundation leaders will share insights on how to effectively integrate charitable giving into clients’ financial, tax, and estate plans. The discussion will explore current trends in philanthropy, strategies for maximizing tax efficiency, and the vital role community foundations play in aligning donor intent with local impact. Panelists will also provide practical guidance on collaborating with foundations to help clients achieve their charitable goals while supporting the broader community. The panel will be moderated by Julie A. Weagraff, Chief Development Officer at Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, and include panelists Cynthia A. Andrews, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, John F. Garofalo, President and CEO of Akron Community Foundation and Amy Jordan, President of the Hudson Community Foundation. 

About the Speakers

Cynthia H. Andrews has served as President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County since 2017, leading efforts to “Connect People Who Care with Causes that Matter.” Previously, she was Executive Director of Oberlin Community Services and spent over 30 years with IBM, where she served as Senior Location Executive in Cleveland. Cindy serves on the board of the Fund for Our Economic Future, is President-Elect of Penn State’s Smeal College of Business Alumni Society Board, and formerly chaired Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital’s board. A Philadelphia native, she holds a BS and MBA from Penn State and enjoys community life with her husband, Geoff.

John F. Garofalo became President and CEO of Akron Community Foundation in July 2025, leading its strategic direction and impact across Greater Akron. Previously, he served as Vice President of Community Investment for 14 years, overseeing over $125 million in grants and strengthening the foundation’s philanthropic leadership. John’s career spans University Hospitals, United Way, and the American Red Cross, with expertise in fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Recognized for his commitment to collaboration and community growth, he continues to advance philanthropy as a trusted leader in nonprofit management and community development.

Amy Jordan has led the Hudson Community Foundation as President since 2019, bringing more than 30 years of experience in marketing, operations, and philanthropy. Joining the foundation in 2012, she has helped donors achieve their charitable goals while growing assets to over $39 million. A Certified Nonprofit Professional and 21/64 Certified Philanthropic Advisor, Amy focuses on values-based and multigenerational giving. Her background includes leadership roles with Graco/Century Children’s Products and consulting for diverse organizations. Active in regional and national philanthropic networks, Amy holds a BS in Marketing from Kent State University and is passionate about linking estate planning and charitable impact.

Julie Weagraff is the Chief Development Officer for Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, leading advancement efforts for 28,000 members across 18 counties. With over 30 years in nonprofit leadership, she holds an MNO degree from Case Western Reserve University and a BA in public relations from Westminster College, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She serves on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Cleveland, the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, and the Ohio Commission for Service and Volunteerism.

Frank F. Gagliardi, CFP® │ 2025-2026 Program Chair

Continuing Education – The following credits will be available for 1 hour of CE (as of 10/31/25):
CFP® – Requested from the CFP® Board.
General – Available for those AEP®, CPA, and CWS designees who feel the program satisfies their continuing education requirements.

Reservation Policy –

IN PERSON: All attendees are encouraged to register in advance and walk-in reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only. The meeting cost is $40 for members when paid in advance before noon 12/01/25, $60 for members at the door, $60 for guests, and $240 for a table of six (can be mix of members and non-members - please submit names to admin@epccleveland.org by 11/26/25).  If you reserve and are unable to attend, please call the office to cancel by noon 12/01/25 to avoid a no-show reservation billing.

VIRTUAL: All attendees must register in advance. The meeting cost is $40 for members and $60 for guests. You will receive login credentials with your registration confirmation email.    

To reserve, click "Register Now" below. 

Thank you to our sponsor: