Alicia Foss, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Alicia Foss is a trailblazing leader with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management and human resources, redefining what’s possible in community care. As the dynamic CEO of Neighborhood Alliance, Alicia has revolutionized Lorain County’s social services landscape, driving growth, innovation, and impact.

Under her leadership, Neighborhood Alliance has soared to new heights—boosting revenue by an impressive $3 million in just five years, doubling its workforce, and tripling its program offerings. Alicia’s bold vision inspired the launch of a groundbreaking three-site, six-phase capital campaign that has already raised over $8 million in just four years. Her creative approach has transformed outdated spaces into vital community resources, including converting the former women’s locker room in the Elyria YMCA into a state-of-the-art catering kitchen and expanding the Haven Center Emergency Shelter in Lorain by 9,000 square feet. This addition not only tripled available dorm rooms for unhoused families but also established Ohio’s first non-congregate mass shelter.

The new Neighborhood Nutrition Kitchen will serve over 350,000 meals in 2024—more than double the 2023 output—providing essential nutrition to seniors, shelter residents, and children. Alicia’s innovative solutions and tenacious leadership have cemented her reputation as a changemaker in addressing community challenges.

Known for building powerful partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Alicia thrives on creating solutions during crises. Her influence extends beyond Neighborhood Alliance through her involvement in initiatives like the Southside Gateway Community Plan Steering Committee, Lorain County Continuum of Care, Coalition for Quality Aging, and Avon Hospital Community Advisory Council.

Alicia holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, along with multiple HR certifications, combining academic excellence with hands-on expertise. Her strategic planning and fundraising acumen have secured millions in grants and donations. Her leadership has earned Neighborhood Alliance prestigious accolades, including the David and Martha Hessler Illuminating Hope Award, solidifying the organization as a beacon of compassion in Lorain County.

In 2024, Alicia expanded her impact by founding Strategy and Sage, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to empowering small businesses and nonprofits with creative, strategic solutions. Balancing her professional achievements with personal resilience, Alicia is also a dedicated advocate for her daughter, Izzy, who has Cerebral Palsy. A 2014 graduate of Neighborhood Alliance’s Early Intervention program, Izzy’s journey has profoundly shaped Alicia’s advocacy and leadership.