Matthew Randazzo, President & CEO of Greater Cincinnati Foundation
As I take stock of my first year leading Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), I am amazed by the power and promise of the region. Specifically, the power to forge compelling partnerships and work together across sectors and the Ohio River — while daring to dream big as we build a vibrant, opportunity-rich region.
We can launch a moonshot, a challenging yet deeply impactful undertaking that will transform our region. What makes me so certain? I’ve met with and had conversations with hundreds of GCF donors and community partners. The vision — and will — to take the Tri-state to the next level is palpable.
How do we fuel powerful, sustained change over the next year, the next 20 years, and beyond?
I think we can boil it down to thoughtful partnerships and collaboration, shared vision, and trust, which is the linchpin.
Cross-sector collaboration is a GCF hallmark, but we can take it to the next level, becoming a kind of super-connector. We must lean into our deep relationships to bring together stakeholders including businesses, nonprofits, government and civic leaders, generous people and the community at large. And we must continue to create meaningful new partnerships.
Our vision demands a deeper understanding of these stakeholders. We are listening more and asking tough questions.
During my listening sessions over the past year, I’ve learned that one area of great community need is education. With a long background in educational equity, I’m intrigued by the challenge of shoring up public education. GCF has good traction in this area, particularly in early education, but there is much work to be done. Students’ success is often still inexorably tied to their ZIP codes. Quality education, like housing affordability, is an undeniable pathway to individual economic stability and regional economic strength, a longtime focus of GCF.
Digging deep to understand Greater Cincinnati — its people, passions, strengths and challenges — is a labor of love. I look forward to working with you to fulfill our shared vision for this community.
It’s time for our next moonshot.
Visit gcfdn.org to learn more about Greater Cincinnati Foundation.
