ALICIA CULMAN
Interim Executive Director
Alicia Culman is a senior non-profit leader with 25 years of experience at Cincinnati Children’s Every Child Succeeds, Great Parks of Hamilton County, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Freestore Foodbank, and others, helping organizations identify brand and mission strengths, navigate competing priorities, and work effectively across teams. She is a trusted partner to board leadership and staff members with a keen eye for aligning operations with mission, turning strategy into action, and keeping complex initiatives moving. Alicia is passionate about serving the Cincinnati community, especially our next generation. Email Alicia
ZAK DRAZNIN, CFRE
Development & Marketing Director
Zak Draznin is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with experience in nonprofit development and operations. He holds a Master of Arts in Jewish Nonprofit Management from the Zelikow School of Nonprofit Management at Hebrew Union College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Judaic Studies from the University of Cincinnati. Zak is passionate about relationship-centered philanthropy and aligning donor experiences with real-time impact. He serves on the board of Fluidity: A Creative Choral Community for a Cause, has taught Sunday school for grades 4-6, and performs in local theater at the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Zak joined UpSpring in April 2026. Email Zak - Connect with Zak on LinkedIn
JORDAN MITCHELL
Program Director
Jordan Mitchell brings more than 10 years of experience in working with youth to UpSpring. He has worked various roles including Site Coordinator for the Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools program for 5 years, Childcare Administrator at the YMCA, and Assistant Director at Kindercare Learning Center. Jordan aims to focus on building great relationships with students, parents, and community members. Jordan has a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from Bowling Green State University, and a Master in Youth Development degree from Iowa State University. Jordan joined the UpSpring team as a Program Manager in September 2020, and was promoted to Program Director in August 2022. Email Jordan - Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn
AZIA CARNES
Program Manager
Azia Carnes has worked with youth for over 8 years and has had a variety of different roles. Some of her past positions include being an After-School Teacher at Mt. Auburn International Academy and Lead Teacher/Program Coordinator at KinderCare. Azia received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Cincinnati, and her research focuses on brutality and injustice against women of color. Azia loves working with the youth and believes that there are so many voices that can change the world within them—all it takes is someone to listen! Azia has been with UpSpring since October 2022. Email Azia
MEGHAN ELDRIDGE
Program Manager
Meghan Eldridge has over 9 years of experience working with children in Title 1 schools as an elementary school teacher, drama club instructor, private tutor, and substitute teacher. She holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Theater, both from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Meghan is passionate about helping kids meet their greatest potential through building relationships and empowering students through education. Meghan joined UpSpring in December 2023. Email Meghan
ANNA GAETHKE
Program Manager
Anna has over 5 years of experience working with youth in a variety of roles. Some of her past positions include being a middle school teacher, a youth camp director, and a lead swim instructor. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood – Early Adolescent Education, both from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in La Crosse, WI. Anna loves working with youth and is passionate about empowering kids through education and community. Anna joined UpSpring in September 2024. Email Anna
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Trent White, Oak Hills High School
President
William S. Dean, Jr., Cincinnati Health Department
Vice President
Kiley Tempert, Ernst & Young
Treasurer
Jenny Baskerville, KPMG
Secretary
Justin Austin, Aon Risk Services
Jackie Baumgartner, Nonprofit Professional
Susan Bunte, Northwest Local Schools (Retired)
Erica L. Groman, Esq., Johnson Investment Counsel
William M. Harris II, Cincinnati Public Schools
Cash Hayden, Indian Hill Elementary School
Laura Heller, Wilmington College
Sara Hickman, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
Timothy D. Nolan, Cincinnati State (Retired)
Brenden Zenni, Messer Construction
EMERITUS BOARD
Peter Daugherty, Zebra Technologies
Vagelis Kontopos, The E.W. Scripps Co.
Andrea Neuwirth, Neuwirth Law Limited
Rebecca Riegelsberger, The E.W. Scripps Co.