Our Lady of the Wayside Nonprofit Board Executives of the Year Award — 2014
Chris Zito
Board member
Our Lady of the Wayside
www.thewayside.org
Creativity Through Service
When he is not performing his duties as president of Zito Insurance, Chris Zito is hands-on in the community. He serves on the boards of Baldwin Wallace University, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute and Senior Support Network.
But there is one organization for which Zito has given much of his time and talent: Our Lady of the Wayside. The nonprofit assists more than 500 children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Northeast Ohio by providing residence, respite, transportation and adult day programs.
He has served as a board member for 20 years, and was its chair for two terms. Zito has participated in several of the agency’s committees and he and his family have donated more than $5 million to the organization.
In addition to his financial contributions, he created and developed the Pathways Program, an adult day program with activities that support community integration. The program has grown and now serves more than 60 adults with developmental disabilities.
Zito formed The Wayside’s Behavioral Services Unit, which focuses on support services for those who display challenging behaviors. He also established the Our Lady of the Wayside Car Donation Program, which raises more than $1 million annually.
He expanded the organization’s outreach by founding the Zito Family Home, a temporary home for those with developmental disabilities who are getting on their feet during times of transition.
In 2013, the nonprofit honored Zito with its Starlight Guardian Humanitarian Award, which celebrates those who embrace the spirit of giving.
