Office of the President

Interim President of The University of Toledo Foundation

Derek Groves portraitDerek Groves

Derek Groves serves as the Interim President of The University of Toledo Foundation, bringing over fifteen years of leadership experience in both educational and healthcare foundations. With a proven track record of advancing organizational missions, he excels in effective operational practices, philanthropic initiatives and harnessing the impact of volunteers.
 
His extensive career includes significant roles such as president and chief development officer of the Essentia Health Foundation, chief operating officer at The University of Toledo Foundation and senior vice president of a nonprofit hospice and palliative care agency. 
 
Groves holds a Ph.D. from Concordia University Chicago and has cultivated a wealth of practical experience as a dedicated fundraising practitioner and organizational development expert. His commitment to driving transformative change within higher education and healthcare is evident through his successful implementation of innovative strategies that promote philanthropy and community engagement. Groves is dedicated to enhancing the impact of The University of Toledo Foundation and fostering a culture of collaboration and support within the University community.

Last Updated: 9/12/25