Scope of work: Drawing on her 40 years of professional experience, Laura Desmond directs Acacia Foundation's efforts to support seven Northeast Ohio nonprofits dedicated to creating a better life for residents.

Nonprofit contribution: Desmond helps member organizations procure crucial fundraising, creating capacity to think about strategy and overall impact. Her leadership in a major capacity campaign for Towards Employment, for instance, has enabled the organization to achieve 93% of a stated $5.2 million fundraising goal.

Other contributions: Desmond acts on the development and event committees of FrontLine Service, Towards Employment, Family Connections and Canopy Child Advocacy Center.