When Tony Richardson took the job as President of The George Gund Foundation, he did so knowing he could help kids that grew up like him: living in public housing, experiencing homelessness, poverty, and losing family members to violence. It's clear his lived experience will deepen the understanding of issues the organization confronts through its partnerships and grantmaking.
Raised in Lorain, Tony would go on to graduate from Oberlin College, and receive his Juris Doctorate from Ohio State University’s Michael E. Mortiz College of Law. He served three years as a member of the City Council, becoming one of the youngest people elected to a citywide seat. He also chaired the Lorain Academic Distress Commission from 2017 through 2019. Most recently, Tony was Executive Director of The Nord Family Foundation in Amherst, Ohio, where he previously served as a program officer. He serves as a board member for Funders Together to End Homelessness, The Center for Effective Philanthropy, and The Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation.
Tony took the helm of the Gund Foundation in January 2022 after the retirement of Dave Abbott, who served in this role for 19 years. He oversees grantmaking in the areas of climate and environmental justice, creative culture and arts, public education, thriving families and social justice, and vibrant neighborhoods and an inclusive economy.
Join us in Public Square as we hear from Tony Richardson on his vision for this next era of philanthropy in Cleveland.
The livestream will be available beginning at 12:00 p.m. Have questions? Tweet them at @TheCityClub or send a text to 330.541.5794.
Rain doesn't stop the show! Our rain location is Old Stone Church, located on Public Square at 91 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio, 44113.