Local literacy program aims to expand with new director

4/29/2013
BY FEDERICO MARTINEZ
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Jeanette Hrovatich is the new executive director for Read for Literacy.
Jeanette Hrovatich is the new executive director for Read for Literacy.

Read for Literacy’s new executive director has high hopes for expanding the Toledo-based organization’s efforts, including adding new programs for teenage youths and expanding current services.

The organization recently hired Jeanette Hrovatich, 52, as its new top administrator. Ms. Hrovatich replaces Jim Funk, who has accepted a position at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

“We’re eager here at Read for Literacy to continue working with our community partners to provide programs and expand our efforts into Wood County and other suburbs where we haven’t been yet,” Ms. Hrovatich said.

The organization is already talking about introducing a literacy program aimed at junior high school youths and expanding its English-as-a-second-language program, Ms. Hrovatich said.

Board Chairman Gary Corrigan said the organization’s new leader has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fund-raising, and volunteerism.

“Read for Literacy was dedicated to finding the right person to lead us into the next era of our work,” Mr. Corrigan said in a prepared statement.

“Our past directors have helped us achieve many great things; Jeanette will continue in this excellent tradition.

“Jeanette will help us grow and expand our outreach programs and partnerships in all areas of literacy. We are excited to have her on our team.”

Read for Literacy, which was founded in 1986, has more than 10 literacy programs already in place in Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, and Seneca counties.

Mr. Funk, who served seven years as the organization’s top administrator, was noted for his fund-raising efforts and “outstanding job of developing programs,” Ms. Hrovatich said.

Ms. Hrovatich has a similar track record, board members said.

She previously served as executive director for the Sylvania Schools Athletic Foundation and director of community outreach services for the United Way of Greater Toledo.

A former junior high school teacher, Ms. Hrovatich received a bachelor of arts in education from the University of Toledo.

She also has received certificates in nonprofit leadership and management and in major donor development and fund-raising from the Indiana School of Philanthropy.

She also has received a certificate of volunteer administration from the Council for Certification in Volunteerism and a certificate in nonprofit governance from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Leadership Program.

Contact Federico Martinez at: fmartinez@theblade.com or 419-304-7589.