Meet Gina Bonino

Gina follows Heartbeat of Toledo’s previous Executive Director, Renee Palacios, who left the organization in Spring 2022 to pursue a new professional passion as Executive Director at Court Diagnostics and Treatment. Heartbeat of Toledo selected Gina after a regional search led by the Board of Directors’ Executive team.

Gina is not a stranger to Heartbeat and its mission. Gina started at Heartbeat of Toledo in 2016 to fulfill her calling and passion for the mission and the women and families Heartbeat serves. Over the past 6+ years at Heartbeat, Gina has held various positions within the organization, most recently serving as Interim Executive Director and Assistant Director. In these roles, Gina has built positive relationships with donors, board members, staff, volunteers, and community organizations. Gina can offer firsthand knowledge, insight, and perspective on the services provided and understand the demands of each employee’s position. Gina recognizes that it takes many hands to fulfill Heartbeat’s mission. Gina appreciates and values all the many ways people choose to get involved to further the mission and make a difference in the lives of every client who walks through Heartbeat’s doors.

Gina has become a trusted voice over the last six years, with her rational and diplomatic approach valued. Gina is passionate about meeting people where they are, free of judgment and with compassion for the weight of irrevocable decisions.

“I cannot think of a person more passionate about Heartbeat and its mission than Gina,” says Sam Byrne, Board President, “I have complete confidence in Gina’s ability to lead this organization, and I believe Gina’s intrinsic values will assist her well as she navigates through and guides the future of Heartbeat of Toledo.”

During her time at Heartbeat, Gina has demonstrated her dedication and navigated transitions with grace and poise. Gina obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from Spring Arbor University, passed her state licensure exam, and welcomed her fifth child, Robert James. Gina has offered hope and healing to those struggling with postpartum depression, post-abortive grief, and adjustments to parenthood through her mental health services provided at Anchored in Hope Counseling, LLC. Additionally, Gina was recently nominated for the “20 under 40” award and has been featured by Fuzia, a global online women’s networking community.  

Gina has repeatedly stated that the organization’s longevity is a core motivation for her. Gina states, “I am proud of this organization and want to protect the progress made over the last 50 years. I am excited to see this organization’s continued success and the lives it touches through its community services over the next 50 years and beyond. We have some of the most compassionate, skilled, and dedicated employees and volunteers. I am honored to lead them and this organization forward with intrepid action towards continued success.”