Mary A. Paxton

Mary A. Paxton has over two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, with expertise in advancement operations, grants management, fund development, and program development. As Vice President of Development at JumpStart Inc., she advances the organization’s mission by securing critical funding and building strategic partnerships.

Previously, Mary served as Director of Development at the ACLU of Ohio, championing civil liberties and social justice initiatives. Her career spans ecumenical institutions, at-risk youth programs, homelessness services, workforce development, and basic needs support—reflecting her deep commitment to strengthening communities through philanthropy.

Mary holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University, where she is also an Adjunct Professor, mentoring future nonprofit leaders. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Allegheny College. Actively engaged in the philanthropic community, she serves as President of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, as a board member of the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland, and as a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.