Executive Staff

Cristin N. Slesh, President
Cristin has a broad knowledge of the nonprofit sector having worked as the communications manager at the Center for Families and Children for over 2 years, and as the director of communications/public relations for the Orange Schools for 3 years. Prior to that she spent 3 years in the development office of Thompson Hine. She joined FMS in 1999. In addition to researching grant proposals, she works to promote an understanding of each foundation’s activities through many communications tools. Cristin serves on the United Way Services of Cleveland Health and Caring for All Investment Committee. Cristin is a graduate of the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University.

Janet E. Narten, Founder
As founder of FMS, Janet has more than 20 years experience in philanthropy. She has been responsible for designing and implementing the grantmaking policies and programs of a number of independent and family foundations serving the Greater Cleveland area. She has an in-depth knowledge of our community’s nonprofit sector, a close working relationship with other area funders and considerable experience in helping philanthropic boards function effectively. Janet is currently Chair of the Cuyahoga Emergency Food and Shelter Board and is a member of the United Way Services of Cleveland Senior Success Vision Council. Janet earned a degree in secondary education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Susan O. Althans, Senior Associate
Susan has had extensive experience in the nonprofit sector having served as a senior development officer at Case Western Reserve University for 15 years and as a fundraising consultant for local nonprofit organizations. She is knowledgeable about grant preparation, proposal review and evaluation of fund raising programs. Susan currently serves on the United Way Services of Cleveland Strong Families = Successful Children Vision Council. Susan is a graduate of Kenyon College and received a master’s degree from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. She joined FMS in 2000.

Allison Rand, Associate
Allison has extensive experience with health and social service programs, having worked in a programmatic capacity with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Easter Seal Society, and NetWellness, a consumer health website developed by three of Ohio's major research universities. Additionally, Allison worked as a staff reviewer for the University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Medicine, making recommendations about the ethical and regulatory implications of research proposals. Allison is a graduate of Northwestern University, and received her Master's of Social Work degree from University of Michigan, and her Master's of Public Health degree from University of Illinois - Chicago. She joined FMS in 2004.

Monica D. Cunningham, Associate
Monica has over a decade of experience from the nonprofit sector and government relations. She brings a solid foundation in grant preparation & management, and proposal review; as well as a vast knowledge of program design and implementation for public education programs. Monica worked at University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center as a Cancer Program coordinator, reviewing research proposals, and in a programmatic capacity with Case Western Reserve University's National Science Foundation program, Academic Careers in Science and Engineering (ACES) program. Monica's previous experience also includes: Member of Cabinet and Chief Scheduling Officer in the City of Cleveland's Office of the Mayor; Education Community Liaison with the Western Reserve Historical Society, and Senior Program Manager for Racial Justice and Advocacy at the YWCA of Cleveland. Monica holds a BA in United States History from Cleveland State University and is currently working toward a Master's Degree in Public Administration at Kent State University.

Administrative Staff

Cathy Starkey, Operations Manager
Cathy has worked as foundation administrator and grants manager for the past 10 years. Prior experience includes 5 years as an administrative assistant in the trust department of the former AmeriTrust Company. Cathy has received advanced training in the leading grant tracking software program, which assists her in overseeing the processing of all grant requests.

Valerie Schramm, Operations Assistant
Prior to joining FMS, Valerie worked as a paralegal at a Cleveland law firm for 12 years and in a law library for 2 years. She received her associates degree in liberal arts with a paralegal studies option at North Shore Community College in Beverly, Massachusetts.