The Toledo Public Schools (TPS) Foundation has selected Ashley Yoakam, the current Program & Grants Coordinator, as its new Executive Director. Yoakam will succeed Erica Halada, who helped revitalize the foundation over the past four years.
Yoakam, a University of Toledo graduate has made her mark here in Toledo. Previously working for a printing and mailing company in downtown Toledo, she stepped into the Foundation in the fall of 2019. During her time as Program & Grants Coordinator, she has seen first-hand the direct impact of donations contributing to scholarships for seniors and Creative Impact Grants for educators. She currently serves on various boards including the American Advertising Federation of Toledo, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Northwest Ohio. In addition, she enjoys volunteering her time at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio where she serves on the marketing and annual giving committees. She and her husband, Joshua, live with their young daughter in West Toledo.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to step into the role of Executive Director at the TPS Foundation. I have become keenly aware of how far a donation goes, and I have met with students whom, were it not for a scholarship, would significantly lack other means of pursuing higher education. I have met with our educators who have limited resources to bring innovative and creative ideas into their classrooms. Every donation matters and has had a direct impact on the district in a positive way.”
Halada stepped into the role of executive director in 2017 after two years of strictly being volunteer lead and helped to restructure and grow the Foundation. She was instrumental in paving the way for the Foundation to be able to offer classroom grants and assist in funding capital projects. We wish her well in her new endeavors.
As the executive director, Yoakam will collaborate with district staff, leadership and the TPS Foundation board to ensure the foundation’s important work continues in providing critical resources to the students and staff of Toledo Public Schools.
