Todd M. Ahrens
Todd is a nationally respected fundraising strategist and nonprofit leader with nearly four decades of experience helping mission‑driven organizations do their best work. His career spans arts and culture, education, community development, and philanthropy, bringing a steady hand, a practical mindset, and a genuine love for helping people and organizations thrive.
A trusted advisor to executive teams and nonprofit boards, Todd is known for listening closely, asking the right questions, and helping organizations navigate complexity and design strategies that are both ambitious and achievable. His expertise includes capital and endowment campaigns, major and planned giving, organizational assessments, strategic planning, and board and volunteer management.
Todd currently serves as a Senior Consultant with Creative Fundraising Advisors, partnering with nonprofits nationwide on feasibility studies, campaign counsel, development assessments, and long‑range fundraising strategy. His approach blends data‑informed thinking with a flexible, people‑first approach that reflects both best practices and the realities of today’s philanthropic landscape. He is known for his ability to build trust quickly, lead thoughtful interviews and listening sessions, and translate complex organizational dynamics into clear, actionable recommendations.
Before joining CFA, Todd served in senior leadership roles at Arts Consulting Group, including Vice President & Practice Leader for Contributed Revenue. There, he guided organizations through major fundraising initiatives, interim leadership transitions, and executive searches, supporting institutions across the United States and Canada, including the Corning Museum of Glass, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, and the Folger Shakespeare Library, among many others.
Earlier in his career, Todd held key fundraising roles in higher education and museums, leading multimillion‑dollar capital and endowment campaigns at the Toledo Museum of Art, the University of Michigan, the University of Findlay, and St. John’s Jesuit High School & Academy. He started his career in finance and marketing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, grounding his leadership in a strong understanding of financial systems and audience engagement.
A graduate of Simpson College in Iowa with a BA in International Business and German, Todd also holds an MA from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He studied abroad at the University of Salzburg and completed two internships at Daimler Benz in Stuttgart. His board service reflects his civic commitment, including roles with the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation, the Ohio Museums Association, the Black Swamp Arts Festival, and regional philanthropic organizations like the Toledo Estate Planning Council.
Outside of his professional work, Todd is energized by time outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He enjoys hiking, biking, and kayaking. At home, he and his wife Amy share life with their two dogs, Ollie and Peppa, who ensure that every day includes a bit of chaos and plenty of joy.