James P. Conway Mentor-of-the-Year Award

The James P. Conway Mentor of the Year Award celebrates an outstanding individual whose dedication to advancing the charitable gift planning profession has empowered others to achieve their philanthropic goals. Presented annually at the Northern Ohio Charitable Gift Planners (NOCGP) Planned Giving Day, this prestigious award honors exemplary mentorship and leadership in the field.

Named in memory of James P. Conway (1923–2010), a trailblazing gift planner known for his expertise, generosity, and passion for teaching, the award reflects Jim’s enduring legacy. As a mentor, teacher, and friend, Jim inspired countless professionals and organizations, shaping the planned giving field through his willingness to share knowledge and support.

The James P. Conway Mentor of the Year Award recognizes individuals who embody Jim’s philosophy of collaboration, mentorship, and commitment to helping colleagues and philanthropists succeed.

Eligibility & Presentation

Nominate a Mentor

Congratulations to our 2025 Award Recipient: Brenda Cummins

Brenda Cummins serves the Cleveland Foundation as Director, Philanthropic Services, overseeing the team that works with donors and organizational fund partners to help them plan and achieve their philanthropic objectives. Her work includes building relationships with multi-generational families and donors to create their own personal mission statement to elevate their philanthropic giving.  She works closely with Organizational Fund Partners as well, providing fundraising strategies and planned giving expertise to strengthen their programs and grow their funds. 

Brenda brings senior level development experience from her previous role as director of Foundation Administration and Community Engagement at Summa Health. In her role, she advanced Summa’s priorities through philanthropy and connected the greater community to the work of the organization. Prior work includes her position as a development officer at the Akron Civic Theatre, where she was responsible for all aspects of fundraising for the 1920’s atmospheric theatre.

Brenda is a certified trainer in Family Philanthropy through 21/64. She is a Stokes Fellow through the Advanced Leadership Institute of the Cleveland Leadership Center and a graduate of Leadership Akron. She has served on the boards of many Arts & Culture, Health & Human Services, and Professional organizations and currently serves several area non-profits, including Northeast Ohio Charitable Gift Planners, Friends of 91.3 The Summit, Collide:Cuyahoga Falls and the Nightlight Cinema. She has also served as an adjunct faculty at the University of Akron.