Veteran fundraiser and nonprofit leader to guide fundraising efforts during organizational transition
TOLEDO, OH – Live Arts Toledo announced today the appointment of Michael Downing as Interim Vice President of Development, effective immediately. A Toledo native with nearly four decades of nonprofit fundraising experience, Downing brings deep expertise in fundraising, marketing, and strategic leadership to the organization. He succeeds Brett Loney, who served as Vice President of Development for seven seasons.
During his tenure at Live Arts Toledo, Loney helped more than double fundraising revenue while introducing practices and organizational approaches that strengthened the culture, professionalism, and long-term sustainability of the Development department. He has accepted the position of President of Adopt America Network, an organization dedicated to helping children in foster care find adoptive families.
“Michael Downing is one of the most respected fundraising professionals in our community,” said Zak Vassar, President & CEO of Live Arts Toledo. “His deep roots in Toledo’s nonprofit sector, combined with his strategic insight and decades of experience, make him an ideal leader during this transition. Michael is also one of Brett Loney’s foremost mentors, which provides continuity as we begin a search for a permanent Vice President of Development. Live Arts Toledo is in excellent hands.”
Downing previously assisted Live Arts Toledo with the feasibility study that helped launch the organization’s transformational Arts in Motion campaign, supporting the redevelopment of the historic Masonic Temple on Heatherdowns Boulevard into the Toledo Center for Live Arts, which opened in 2025.
As Interim Vice President of Development, Downing will provide leadership and strategy to Live Arts Toledo’s fundraising initiatives, aid in the recruitment of a permanent Vice President of Development, and offer guidance for the organization’s strategic growth in fundraising.
After beginning his career as a middle and high school educator, Downing transitioned into nonprofit fundraising, where he built a distinguished career at organizations including the Toledo Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs, CO), St. John’s Jesuit High School, Notre Dame Academy, and the Franciscan School of Theology (San Diego, CA). He also served as Senior Advisor for Schultz & Williams, a national consulting firm specializing in nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning.
Throughout his career, Downing has led comprehensive fundraising and public engagement initiatives, overseeing areas including marketing, education, volunteer programs, visitor experience, strategic planning, public funding initiatives, and major capital projects. He has also served as staff lead for numerous board committees focused on advancement, facilities, finance, and long-range planning.
Downing joins a seasoned team of Development staff at Live Arts Toledo, which includes Jeniece Corwin, Development Operations Manager; Mari Davies, Director of Institutional Giving; and Karly DeGroot, Director of Individual Giving.
“I’m honored to once again lend a hand to Live Arts Toledo during this important moment for the organization,” said Downing. “The work happening here is deeply important to our community and reflects an extraordinary level of artistic quality and commitment. I’ve long admired the passion and generosity of Live Arts Toledo’s supporters, and I look forward to working alongside the staff, board, donors, and volunteers who help make this organization so vital.”
***
About Live Arts Toledo
Live Arts Toledo, formerly the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), is the region’s hub for live performance, cultural education, and community connection. Bringing together the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Jazz Orchestra, Toledo Symphony School of Music, and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras, Live Arts Toledo presents more than 200 nights of programming each year, offering unforgettable experiences that stir the senses and strengthen the cultural fabric of Northwest Ohio.
Media Contact:
Emily McCready, Marketing Manager, 419.418.0027, emccready@liveartstoledo.com
