Theresa has been such an advocate for Toledo all of her career. She has served on countless boards and been involved in many community organizations. Needless to say we are honored to have Theresa on the TPS Foundation Board!

Theresa M. Gabriel’s vocation has been a lifetime of service not just with the City of Toledo but also as a volunteer both locally and nationally.

In March 2017, Mrs. Gabriel was appointed to serve as the Deputy Director for the Lucas County Board of Elections.  She held that position until until March 2019.  In 2013 she was elected to Toledo City Council as an At-Large member.  She served until April 2017 when she resigned to take the positional the Board of Elections.  While on city council, Mrs. Gabriel chaired the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee.  She served as Vice Chair of the Water Quality, Streets, and Infrastructure Committee.  She was also a member of the Finance and Budget Oversight; Regional Growth and Development; and Zoning and Planning Committees.

Mrs. Gabriel has over 20 years of business experience and over 30 years of experience working with organized labor CBTU, AFSCME Local 7, and AFSCME 2058.   She has nearly 60 years of experience working with community service organizations on local, state, regional, and national levels.   Finally, Ms. Gabriel has over 45 years of public sector experience which included positions with the City of Toledo as

  • Commissioner – Division of Streets, Bridges, and Harbor
  • Director – Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry
  • Clerk of Courts – Toledo Municipal Court
  • Director – Department of Human Resources
  • Assistant Chief of Staff / Office of the Mayor

In July 2016, Mrs. Gabriel was given an award for 50 years of volunteering with the NAACP convention.  Her service to National Association for the Advancement of Colored People includes:

  • National Youth Work Committee
  • Region III Youth Advisor for seven states: Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Michigan
  • State of Ohio Executive Board
  • State of Ohio Youth Advisor
  • Toledo Senior Youth Advisor
  • Outstanding Youth Advisor of the National NAACP Award: 1965, 1971, 1972
  • President, Toledo Ohio Branch
  • National NAACP – Member Security Staff

Mrs. Gabriel is a graduate of Scott High School and served on the school’s 100th anniversary committee.