68 senior leaders to advance cross-sector civic leadership across Greater Cleveland
Cleveland, OH (June 18, 2026) – The Cleveland Leadership Center (CLC) has named 68 senior executives to the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2027, representing a broad mix of Greater Cleveland’s public, private, and nonprofit leaders. Since its founding in 1978, Leadership Cleveland has brought together accomplished leaders from diverse sectors and backgrounds to deepen their understanding of the region’s key opportunities and challenges, strengthen cross-sector relationships, and increase their capacity to create meaningful community impact.
The Class of 2027 includes:
- a broad array of leaders in accounting and finance, arts, business and entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, law, manufacturing, real estate and construction, sports and entertainment, and more.
- 35% (24/68) serve as chief executives and/or owners of their organizations, bringing the perspective of top organizational leadership to the program and reflecting the region’s commitment to continuing to invest in leaders who are prepared to guide their teams and communities through change;
- three are university deans;
- two are elected officials and one is chief of police;
- 46% identify as female and 54% as male;
- 50% come from the for-profit sector, 31% from the nonprofit, and 19% from organizations that are economic influencers such as city and county governments, hospitals, airports, and universities.
“Leadership Cleveland brings together leaders who believe that the future of our region is something we create together,” said Becky Ruppert McMahon, President and CEO of the Cleveland Leadership Center. “The Class of 2027 represents an extraordinary group of individuals who are investing a year of their valuable time and tremendous talent to build meaningful relationships, to gain insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping Greater Cleveland, and ultimately to emerge more informed, connected, and empowered to make our community stronger.”
The Cleveland Leadership Center extends its gratitude to Eddie Taylor (LC 2000), President and CEO of Taylor Oswald, LLC, and Chair of the Leadership Cleveland Selection Committee, for his leadership and guidance throughout the selection process.
“It is an honor to serve as Selection Committee Chair for the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2027,” said Taylor. “At a time when our region’s greatest opportunities require collaboration, courage, and vision, Leadership Cleveland brings together leaders committed to making a difference.”
The Class of 2027 will launch in September with a two-day retreat at Sawmill Creek Resort followed by nine additional monthly sessions that will be held at different sites throughout the region. Session days focus on specific themes including economic development, education, and quality of life, and feature dozens of business and community leaders who facilitate in-depth conversations that build understanding and foster cross-sector collaboration to strengthen Cleveland’s future.
Upon completion of the program, the Class of 2027 will join a trusted network of more than 11,000 Cleveland Leadership Center alumni, further amplifying their collective ability to lead, serve, and create lasting impact across Greater Cleveland.
See the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2027 >
Applications for Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 2028 will open on February 1, 2027. For more information about Leadership Cleveland, visit www.cleveleads.org/LC.