Our Leadership Team
Executive Leadership Team
Nancy Mendez
President and CEO
Nancy Mendez is a dynamic leader in the human services field, instrumental in addressing and supporting community needs, including poverty alleviation, childhood education, and youth development. Mendez is President and CEO of Starting Point, where she has led the organization to new heights as a nonprofit youth and family services agency serving families, providers, and community members in Northeast Ohio since 2021. Â
In her role at Starting Point, Nancy spearheads groundbreaking initiatives, including significantly expanding the organization’s outreach programs, launching an innovative early childhood education program that has received statewide recognition for its impact, and introducing a comprehensive youth development framework focusing on mentorship, career readiness, and mental health support, substantially improving the outcomes for at-risk youth in the region.
Before leading Starting Point, Nancy was the Vice President of Community Investment at United Way of Greater Cleveland, where she was responsible for developing the department’s approach to the design, development, testing, implementation, and evaluation of community programs and special projects.Â
Ms. Mendez also led the 2-1-1 Helplink line, which connects individuals in need with community services. Nancy was named Crain’s Business “Woman of Note and a 2013 Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan by the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission.Â
Beyond her role at Starting Point, Nancy is an active community contributor, serving on several boards, including MetroHealth Hospital’s board. She is Vice Chair of the Board for the George Gund Foundation. Most recently, Nancy was appointed to Governor Mike DeWine’s Children and Youth Advisory Council in September 2025. Â
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Kara Porter
Chief Impact Officer
Kara leads organization-wide initiatives, oversees the agency’s advancement and community engagement work, and provides project management and strategic counsel to the Chief Executive Officer.
Kara holds a Master of Science in Social Administration from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Baldwin Wallace University. She is a licensed social worker in the State of Ohio and is a member of Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2018.
James Starks
Chief Operations Officer
James holds a BS in Accounting from Case Western Reserve University. Beginning his career in accounting, he gained valuable experience collaborating with various Fortune 500 corporations. For more than three decades, his focus has centered on serving the Greater Cleveland area, providing a unique combination of accounting proficiency and computer services to a diverse range of non-profit agencies. James finds value in contributing to the success and sustainability of these crucial organizations within his community.
Senior Leadership Team
Akila Greenfield
Senior Director of People Operations
With more than 20 years of human resources experience and a BA in Business Administration, Akila Greenfield serves as Starting Point’s Senior Director of People Operations, leading strategic initiatives that strengthen the organization’s workforce, culture, and operational effectiveness. She brings deep expertise in nonprofit HR leadership, talent strategy, and organizational development, building the structures and systems that enable Starting Point’s programs to thrive. Akila is committed to fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment where staff are empowered to grow and deliver exceptional services to children and families.
Karla Martin
Senior Director of Early Learning Services
Karla began her career working in classrooms at Catholic Charities and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, shaping the lives of young learners and supporting families. Her journey led her to Starting Point, where she brought her expertise to the Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) department as an Early Learning Specialist. Over the years, she has held multiple leadership roles, including FCCH Early Learning Coordinator, Step Up to Quality Coordinator, and, most recently, Director of the Quality Enhancement Department, where she has helped implement policies and programs that elevate early learning standards. Karla holds a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Adult Learning and Development from Cleveland State University.
Shannon Viccarone
Senior Director of Family and Community Services
Shannon champions strategic growth, leading the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) and Data Analytics Teams. She leverages expertise in child care systems and public policy to design sustainable, equitable programs and strengthen Starting Point as a trusted resource. Shannon spearheaded the distribution of $4.4 million to stabilize Cleveland’s child care workforce and help families return to work, and plays a key role in developing Business Partnerships. In 2023, she launched FACE, introducing initiatives like the Foster Hub and Outreach Program. Shannon holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a BA in Psychology. She is a 2020 Groundwork Ohio Fellow and a member of Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2025.
Leadership Team
