Adopt America Network Names Brett Loney as New President

 Adopt America Network is pleased to announce that Brett Loney has been named the organization’s next President.

Loney brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience to AAN, along with a deep personal connection to the organization’s mission. Brett and his wife, Amy, are parents of two children through adoption. Earlier in his career, while earning his law degree and practicing as an attorney, Brett worked as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in juvenile courts in Virginia and Ohio, where he saw firsthand the importance of permanent, supportive, and loving homes for children.

He currently serves as Vice President of Development for Live Arts Toledo and has previously held leadership positions with The University of Toledo Foundation, St. John’s Jesuit High School & Academy, Wright State University, and Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School.

As President, Loney will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Adopt America Network, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, families, donors, and community partners to continue AAN’s mission of connecting children waiting in foster care with permanent families and supporting families before, during, and after they are united.

“The Board is thrilled to welcome Brett, who perfectly combines strategic fundraising expertise with a heartfelt connection to our mission," said Amy Tyson, Board Chair. "His background as an adoptive parent and his work in the juvenile court system give him a firsthand understanding of the transformative power of a loving, permanent family. We are confident he is the right person to lead AAN forward."

A Toledo native, Loney holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University and a Juris Doctor from the College of William and Mary. He earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive credential in 2005 and his Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive credential in 2015. He has been active in leadership roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals chapters in both Toledo and Dayton and has served on several local nonprofit boards.

“I am honored to join Adopt America Network and to help carry forward a mission that is deeply meaningful to me and my family,” said Loney. “AAN’s work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the love, stability, and support of a permanent family. I have seen that truth in my own life, and I have seen the need for it through my work with children and families in the juvenile court system. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, families, partners, and supporters to build on this incredible legacy and strengthen the organization for the future.”

Loney succeeds Wendy Spoerl, who announced her intention to retire after 25 years of dedicated service to Adopt America Network. Brett is slated to begin his role on July 20. Wendy Spoerl has graciously agreed to remain with AAN through at least the end of September to help ensure a smooth, thoughtful, and mission-focused transition.

“Wendy’s leadership has shaped AAN in profound ways,” said Tyson. “Her dedication has helped thousands of children find permanent, loving families, and her commitment to thoughtful succession planning has positioned the organization for continued strength. We are deeply grateful for her 25 years of service.”

Founded in 1983 by Richard K. Ransom, founder of Hickory Farms, Adopt America Network has placed nearly 5,000 children with permanent families. Today, the organization provides matching services for families, support groups and events for adoptive, kinship, and foster families, child-focused recruitment in Northwest Ohio, and a statewide home assessor program for public and private agencies.

Please join us in welcoming Brett Loney to Adopt America Network and thanking Wendy Spoerl for her extraordinary service and leadership.