Gail Ann Grizzell has always had a desire to help people. When Gail was a youngster in Berea, Ohio, she began volunteering as a candy striper at the local hospital. She continued her volunteer endeavors assisting youth organizations, which ultimately led to a 35-year career in the field of philanthropy as a nonprofit and marketing fundraising professional, with the United Negro College Fund and Ideastream, the public broadcasting affiliate radio and television stations in Cleveland, Ohio. Gail decided to combine her fundraising skills with her passion for fishing-a passion inspired by her mother, Margaret-and in partnership with Dennis James Knowles co-founded The Fishing Foundation. Now retired, Gail devotes her time, treasure, talent, and touch to expanding the programming of the Foundation. In addition to spending time with her family, Gail serves in a leadership role with The Fishing Foundation, enjoys international and national travel, reading, cooking, gardening, attending arts and cultural events, and most of all, fishing. Along with her sister and business partner, Gail also co-owns Executive Meeting Planners, LLC, a minority- and women-owned-and-operated meeting planning small business enterprise. Gail holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University.
