Our Team
Executive Director
Nikki Jaworski
With deep Cleveland roots, and a passion for both public service and rowing, Nikki joins the Cleveland Rowing Foundation as Executive Director after returning to Cleveland from Washington DC where she served as the Director, Presidential Press Advance at the White House. Before her tenure in Washington, she served as the Director, Global Public Affairs for AT&T.
Her record of community service includes serving on the boards of the Cleveland Urban League, the Cleveland International Film Festival, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Board and CityYear Cleveland.
Nikki began her rowing career as a student at The Ohio State University which fueled her passion for the sport. She has since continued this enthusiasm and is a staple within the Cleveland rowing community having experience as a sculler and member of the Western Reserve Rowing Association.
Nikki's leadership skills combined with her evident compassion for the Cleveland community make her the perfect fit for leading the Cleveland Rowing Foundation into the future.
Director of Rowing
rowingdirector@clevelandrows.org
Jonathan Crist
Bringing a coach and leader of Jonathan’s caliber to CRF is an exciting moment for our community. He will help deepen our connection across the region while developing coaches and expanding opportunities to get more people on the water along the Cuyahoga River.
Jonathan joins CRF from Cascadilla Boat Club in Ithaca, where he led efforts to grow participation, strengthen culture, and build sustainable systems for equipment, funding, and coach development. His work reflects a clear focus on building strong, welcoming programs that deliver meaningful rowing experiences.
He has coached across NCAA Division I and III, collegiate club, junior, and community programs, and has coordinated USRowing U19 High Performance and Olympic Development camps. At every level, his approach centers on investing in coaches—through mentorship, professional development, and support—to elevate the experience for athletes and the broader community.
Jonathan holds a PhD in Rhetoric from Duquesne University and brings a thoughtful, intentional leadership style grounded in communication, mentorship, and service.
We are excited for what’s ahead as Jonathan joins our team and begins his work with coaches, athletes, and partners across the CRF community.
Maintenance Director
Florin Filipescu
Florin Filipescu is responsible for keeping boathouse equipment and facilities in good
working order, including maintenance and minor repair of launches, outboard
engines, and ergometers, as well as minor repair to building facilities. He is responsible for coordination and pick-up/delivery of fuel and equipment requiring major repair with outside vendors. Florin is also responsible for overseeing all major building capital projects related to facility enhancements and renovation projects. He is instrumental in assisting with the day-to-day operations of the boathouse.
Florin handles all security related matter and holds a Certificate of Completion IACSSP Change 5 through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He is a graduate of East Technical High School ROTC program.