We invite you to see what we see. There are so many ways you can help us bring high quality arts-based education to our students. Whether you are looking to volunteer, donate, or attend one of our many events, we are happy to welcome you to the TSA family.
Meet Our Development Team
Dave Gierke
Development Director
dgierke@ts4arts.org | (419) 246-8732 x256
Dave Gierke was one of the original teachers at TSA and began his professional fundraising career in 2002. In addition to raising significant funds annually to keep the school afloat, he has also directed special projects and a major capital campaign for Technology, Arts & Industry (TAI). Dave has a Master’s degree in Education and holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Indiana University’s Fundraising School. He has been a member of the Northwest Ohio Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2009 and was named the NW Ohio Fundraising Professional of the Year in 2017.
Bethany Urbanski Fry
Business Development Manager
burbanski@ts4arts.org | (419) 246-8732 x256
Bethany was the first Alumna to be hired at Toledo School for the Arts and has been a part of the Development Team for eleven years now. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Point Park University and has an extensive dance background. Bethany manages the Development Department, oversees the data management and coordinates several TSA fundraisers. She is also the booking agent for TSA performing groups.
Kim Buehler
Development Officer
kbuehler@ts4arts.org | (419) 246-8732 x221
Kim Buehler joined the Development Team at TSA in June of 2018 after serving as a voice instructor here for many years. Kim holds both Master of Voice and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Toledo. She has extensive experience in non-profit arts organizations and served as Executive Director of the Toledo Jazz Society for several years. She has valuable experience with event management, volunteer management, grant-writing and donor cultivation.
JESS BEHLMER WORLEY
CLASS OF 2009 ALUMNI RELATIONS/DEVELOPMENT AGENT
jworley@ts4arts.org | (419) 246-8732 x257
Jess is a proud TSA Alum (class of 2009) and served on the TSA International Alumni Association from its inception in 2019. She gained valuable knowledge and skills in stewardship and event management during her time in the Owens Community College Foundation and Fund Development office. Jess hopes to further nurture and expand the connections between TSA Alumni, current students, and the school. She is proof that you can always return home to the TSA Family.
Leslie Watza
Arts Entrepreneurship
lwatza@ts4arts.org | (419) 246-8732 x133
Leslie Watza has been involved with Toledo School for the Arts for 15 years first as a parent, then volunteer, Porter Gallery Manager, teacher and now member of the Development Team. As Manager of Arts Entrepreneurship Leslie’s purpose has been to develop curriculum and programming to help students develop and manage themselves as artists. Leslie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from BGSU, Bachelor of Theology from Way College of Emporia and a Career Tech Certification from the University of Toledo.
Elizabeth Emmert
Development Consultant
eemmert@sbcglobal.net | (419) 367-0083
Elizabeth is a Founding Board Member of Toledo School for the Arts. She earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and
a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Center for Nonprofit Resources in Toledo. Since 1980, she has worked in a number of non- profit arts organizations in Toledo and Cleveland, in special events coordination, public relations, and development. A member of the Northwest Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2006, Elizabeth currently serves as Development Consultant for TSA.