The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Diocese of Cleveland Board of Directors announced that it restructured its central office leadership in a strategic effort to achieve a more streamlined and efficient leadership model.
Anelize Nader, who most recently served as the organization’s program director, was promoted to the newly created position of chief executive officer, effective Jan. 20.
Nader will direct SVDP’s central office in supporting the organization’s 2,300 members and volunteers who provide emergency assistance to more than 230,000 low-income individuals across eight counties.
During her five-year tenure with SVDP, Nader has significantly expanded various programs that help the poor, such as the annual Back-to-School and Blanket Sunday campaigns, which provide supplies to low-income children and schools and blankets to the homeless and disadvantaged. She increased community collaboration by developing a network with partner agencies and increased the organization’s financial best practices through upgrading internal financial controls and procedures.
“Anelize’s financial background and experience in corporate and nonprofit management are an asset to the St. Vincent de Paul Society,” said Ed Leszynski, board president. “She has a successful track record of relationship-building with diverse stakeholders, proven leadership skills and a clear vision. Equally important is her passion for helping people in need and her commitment to our mission. Under her guidance, the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be well-positioned to maximize its impact in Northeast Ohio’s most underserved communities.”
Nader has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society’s restructuring strategy also includes the recent promotion of Gary Sole to chief operating officer. Sole joined the organization in September 2019 as a liaison to its 62 member parish groups. He brings an extensive background in finance to his new position, having served in executive roles at several institutions that include Lakeshore Community Credit Union, Inc., Steel Valley Credit Union, CIT Group Inc. and National City Bank. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Baldwin Wallace University.
Established in 1865, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Diocese of Cleveland, is a local human services and welfare organization of neighborhood volunteer groups primarily in participating parishes -- called conferences -- throughout the Diocese of Cleveland’s eight-county service area. Volunteers, also known as Vincentians, provide face-to-face emergency assistance to people in need, regardless of race, ethnicity or religious affiliation.
Last year alone, more than 230,000 low-income individuals in Northeast Ohio received nearly $9 million in direct assistance and in-kind services, which included food at SVDP’s multiple hunger centers, clothing, furniture, school supplies and financial assistance with utilities and rent.
SVDP’s central office is located at 1404 East 9th St., Cleveland. For more information, call 216-696-6525, Ext. 3150 or visit svdpcle.org.