Special to The Truth
Urban Wholistics, a Toledo-based nonprofit urban farm focused on community health, safety and economic opportunity, has added three new members to its board of directors: Sonja Delaney, chief strategy officer at Directions Credit Union; Chynna L. Fifer, an attorney and child advocate; and Edward “Ed” Lamb, a public safety professional. Fifer and Lamb are members of Directions Credit Union.
“We’re excited to welcome Sonja, Chynna and Ed to the Urban Wholistics Board of Directors,” said Sonia Flunder-McNair, founder of Urban Wholistics. “Their backgrounds in strategy, law, public safety and community advocacy align deeply with our mission to build healthier, safer neighborhoods through urban agriculture and education. As we expand our programs and impact, their leadership will help ensure our work remains grounded in community needs while positioning us for long-term sustainability.”
Delaney will serve as board treasurer. She has served as chief strategy officer at Directions Credit Union since 2019, overseeing marketing, community impact, product development, digital services and project management. She previously served as CEO of Midwest Community Federal Credit Union for 16 years and has held leadership roles with Corporate One Federal Credit Union, the Ohio Credit Union Foundation and ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital.
Fifer will support the board’s grants and compliance efforts. She is managing attorney at Advocating Opportunity in Toledo and brings extensive experience in trauma-informed legal advocacy, public service and child advocacy. Her background includes prior roles as chief prosecutor for the city of Perrysburg and assistant prosecutor with the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office. Her work centers on supporting vulnerable populations through holistic, survivor-centered legal services.
Lamb will serve as chair of the board’s safety committee. He retired after 20 years with the Detroit Police Department, where his career focused on public safety, investigations and community protection. He currently serves as a campus security officer with Toledo Public Schools and brings a strong commitment to youth, community well-being and organizational safety practices.
ABOUT URBAN WHOLISTICS Urban Wholistics is a community based 501C-3 non-profit created to beautify open land in neighborhoods that have been historically excluded from access to wholistic green spaces. They are committed to improving the health of the city and giving back to urban communities through the development of green spaces, education, programs, and the creation of economic opportunities.