Ricia Ballas

Ricia Ballas is an established professional in the art and culture sector, spending most of her career as a fundraising executive in performing arts organizations. Most recently, Ricia served for a decade as Vice President of Development for Dayton Live (formerly Victoria Theatre Association). In this role, she oversaw all development initiatives for a multimillion annual budget, as well as managed the strategic planning, board operations, and stewardship of patrons and donors. Ricia also served at the director level for THINKTV, developing their major and planned gift programs and launching viewer and donor stewardship programs. Ricia also led successful fundraising initiatives as the Director of Development for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and as the Assistant Director of Development for the Sarasota Ballet of Florida.

In addition to her work with performing arts organizations, Ricia has provided development and marketing services to nonprofits as a partner with Wahrhaftig-Ballas & Associates. In this consulting role, Ricia evaluated, developed, and implemented operational components to drive organizational success. She has also advanced strategic fundraising campaigns, key stakeholder relations, and high-level communication efforts for human services organizations, including five years with the American Red Cross.

Beyond her extensive professional experience, Ricia has served as a volunteer leader in varying capacities that currently include Board Chair at the Life Enrichment Center; Board member at Miami Valley Meals; and member (and past president) of the Kettering Rotary Club. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Organizational Communication from the University of Akron.