Cindy Naegele joined the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences on May 18 as a leader with nearly three decades of experience driving philanthropic impact across Northeast Ohio’s leading institutions. Among her leadership roles, she served as chief advancement officer at OhioGuidestone, director of principal gifts at the Cleveland Foundation and as executive director of development at the Case School of Engineering, where she led development strategy and major gift efforts in support of the school’s priorities.
Naegele began her career in advancement at the Cleveland Orchestra, building a strong foundation in donor engagement and institutional advancement. She is known for her strategic vision, relationship-driven approach and ability to translate mission into meaningful philanthropic investment.
What brought you back to Case Western Reserve University and the Mandel School?
The opportunity at the Mandel School truly brought me back. I felt that my past experience uniquely prepared me for this role. OhioGuidestone is one of the leading behavioral health agencies in Ohio, and my time there deepened my passion for mental health and social impact.
Case Western Reserve has always been my favorite professional experience because of the relationships and learning opportunities it offered, from students to deans to global experiences. When I learned about the opportunity at Mandel School, it felt like the right moment to return because of the reputation of the school and Dean Dexter Voisin.
You’ve worked closely with Mandel School graduates in the field. What stands out to you about them?
One experience that really stands out is working with a Mandel School alumna at OhioGuidestone. I watched her grow from early in her career into a leader who mentored interns and students. She often spoke about how her time at Mandel School gave her a voice and a sense of belonging—something she hadn’t always felt earlier in life.
What inspired me most was how she embodied a value she learned at Mandel School: “When you climb a ladder, you don’t pull it up behind you.” She lived that every day by lifting others as she advanced. That philosophy has stayed with me and is something I try to practice in my own life.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to accomplish in your first year in this role?
One of our greatest responsibilities is to steward and leverage the recent transformational gift from the Mandel family. That contribution is a point of pride and a powerful differentiator for our faculty, staff, alumni and the university as a whole.
If donors like the Mandels have confidence in us, then we should be able to inspire confidence across a much broader network, nationally and globally. My goal is that a year from now, we can say: “Look what we accomplished because of this gift—and imagine what we can do next.” I want the Mandel School to be widely recognized as a powerhouse in social work and applied social sciences.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love taking long walks with my golden retriever, Theodore—often with my husband. We have raised three sons and are blessed with two grandchildren, so spending time with family is very important. I also enjoy reading quietly in my backyard, especially in the summer, and creative writing. Since I’m very social at work, I value having some quiet, reflective time to myself.
And I can’t forget golf—my husband would be very upset if I did!
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
About 15 years ago, my husband and I were at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas when David Copperfield pulled me on stage to assist with one of his magic tricks. I always thought audience members were plants—but I can confirm firsthand that they are not. I didn’t disappear or get cut in half, but I helped with a trick where several people vanished from a truck. I promised never to reveal the secret, because I think we all need to keep a little magic and imagination in our lives.
