COLUMBUS, OH (February 12, 2016)—Kelley Griesmer has been named director of Special Projects at The Columbus Foundation, the seventh largest community foundation in the United States.
In this new position, Ms. Griesmer will be responsible for capacity building support for key partnerships, including The Columbus Foundation’s Gifts of Kindness Fund and other online philanthropic initiatives.
“Kelley is an A-Team player—a proven leader who has achieved success in both the private and nonprofit sectors,” said Douglas F. Kridler, president and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. "She will be a great addition to our team of highly skilled professionals focused on helping donors help others through the most effective philanthropy possible."
“I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to support the visionary team at The Columbus Foundation,” Ms. Griesmer said.
“I am passionate about inspiring the most effective philanthropy possible and there is no better place to put that passion to work."
— Kelley Griesmer
“The Columbus Foundation has collaborated with Kelley to help solve a number of challenges facing the community,” said Lisa S. Courtice, Ph.D., executive vice president for the Foundation. “She has been a trusted and effective partner, and we are thrilled to have her join our team and work on our many efforts to strengthen and improve the community.
Since 2011, Ms. Griesmer has served as COO of Pelotonia, a grassroots social movement that raises money to fund transformational cancer research. In this role, she was responsible for all operational aspects of the business, including event management, donor relations and gift processing, financial management and reporting, human resources, and legal issues. She initially joined Pelotonia as director of operations focusing mainly on the ride weekend logistics when the organization launched in 2008. Previously, Ms. Griesmer worked at Jones Day for 13 years, becoming a partner in 2002. She represented clients in a variety of complex commercial litigation matters
A member of the board of directors for the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio for nine years, Ms. Griesmer served as chair of the board from July 2012–June 2014. She is currently a member of the Center for Healthy Families board of directors and serves on the advisory board of CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence.
Ms. Griesmer graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and history from Indiana University. She holds a juris doctorate degree with honors from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and was the recipient of the John J. Adams Memorial Award, an award given to students for leadership in and significant contributions through law-related activities.
She lives in Gahanna with her husband Greg and son Keiran.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to more than 2,400 individuals, families, businesses, and communities that have created unique funds to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. More than 70 years strong, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s online giving marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy®, makes it possible for everyone to access valuable information about nonprofit organizations in central Ohio. Visit columbusfoundation.org to learn more.