Yvonne Delgado Thomas holds a Master’s in Education Administration from Youngstown State University, a BSE in Education from Kent State University and licensure as a superintendent, principal, and teacher. Yvonne has been at The Fine Arts Association for five years.  Prior to, Yvonne was the Corporate & Foundation Relations Officer with Kent State University’s Institutional Advancement and was a school administrator with the Lake County Educational Service Center for 14 years including serving as the Director of the Porter Center for Science and Mathematics for 6 of those years. She is proud to be a member of the Leadership Lake County class of 2020 and an active member of United Way Lake County’s Director’s Council and Women United committee.

As the director of development at FAA, Yvonne serves as the senior fundraiser reporting to the CEO and working closely with the board of directors and the board development committee ensuring all development activities are aligned with FAA’s mission and strategies. Her development team also includes Ryan Kearns, the development manager. Yvonne is responsible for all fundraising activities including grants, grants administration, major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, special events, capital requests, etc. Yvonne’s focus is on meeting with prospective donors and helping to cultivate relationships. She has strong connections with corporations, schools, non-profits, government, foundations, private funders and individuals throughout the region.

Yvonne was raised in an artistic family and greatly appreciates and respects the benefits the arts bring to people of all ages. She loves spending time with her family – husband Greg and sons Alec & Jared both of whom serve in the military. She is very proud and grateful for their service to our country. Yvonne also is an artist specializing in acrylics and teaches Wine & Art, classes. She paints rain barrels and canvases and does some drawing. She greatly enjoys attending FAA activities, spending time on her farm with her dogs and horses, making maple syrup & apple cider, reading, gardening and traveling.