Why CLI?

Civic Leadership Institute (CLI) is a fundamental introduction to Cleveland’s community landscape and social issues and is a stepping stone to advance your involvement within CLC and the community. It provides exclusive insight into what’s going on in the community, connects you to the people, places, and projects moving Cleveland forward, and provides a strong foundation for your professional and civic advancements. Through CLI, you’ll gain:

  • New, timely insights and knowledge about current topics.
  • A greater understanding of how national/regional circumstances impact business.
  • Opportunities to meet and interact with top civic and business leaders in small group settings.
  • Personal fulfillment from being more engaged in your community.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

Fall and Spring
These programs are a dive deep into five concentrated community topics through focused sessions and connect you directly with the leaders driving change in each area.

Winter
Winter CLI dedicates longer sessions to the civic questions defining Cleveland’s next chapter: who’s shaping the waterfront, who benefits as neighborhoods grow, and what role sports plays in the city’s identity. Participants engage directly with the leaders navigating these issues while building the relationships, collaborative habits, and confidence to help shape what comes next.

Bundle
Participate in both experiences—Fall and Winter, or Winter and Spring—and develop deep knowledge about specific topics plus a big-picture understanding of how sectors collaborate to move Cleveland and its residents forward. Bundled registration also means better value for your investment. 

PRICING

Single cohort cost
For profit: $600
Nonprofit: $450

  

Bundle rates
For profit bundle rate: $1,100 ($100 discount)
Nonprofit bundle rate: $750 ($150 discount)

REGISTER

  • Fall 2026 Schedule

    Cleveland’s Neighborhoods
    Friday, October 9, 2026  |  8:00-11:00 a.m.
    @The Foundry
    Speaker:

    • Greg Deegan, Executive Director, Teaching Cleveland

    Economic Development
    Friday, October 16, 2026  |  8:00-10:00 a.m.
    @Greater Cleveland Works
    Speakers:

    • Jacob Duritsky (LC 2024, CBB 2012), VP – Strategy, Research, & Talent, Team NEO
    • Serena Jezior, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Greater Cleveland Works 
    • Tom McGraw (CBB 2022), Manager of Program Execution, MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network

    Education
    Friday, October 23, 2026  |  8:00-10:00 a.m.
    @Hope Ignites
    Speakers:

    • Jennifer Dodd, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio
    • Refresh Collective representative
    • MotoGo representative

    Health & Human Services
    Friday, October 30, 2026  |  8:00-10:00 a.m.
    @Stella Maris
    Speakers:

    • Dr. David Margolius (CBB 2019), Director of Public Health, City of Cleveland 
    • Lonnie Williams Jr. (CLI 2026), City of Cleveland 
    • Christine Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Stella Maris

    Quality of Life
    Friday, November 6, 2026  |  8:00-10:00 a.m.
    @The Darl Center for the Arts
    Speakers: 

    • Jill Paulsen (LC 2017), Executive Director, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture
    • Jeremy Johnson (LC 2023, CLI 2021), President & CEO, Assembly for the Arts

    Connecting the Dots-Community Engagement Landscape
    Friday, November 13, 2026  |  8:00-10:00 a.m.
    @Urban Community School
    Speakers:

    • Kip Bollin (LC 2020, CLC Board Chair), Partner in Charge, Cleveland, Thompson Hine LLP
    • Becky Ruppert McMahon (LC 2018, CBB 2008), President & CEO, Cleveland Leadership Center

    REGISTER FOR FALL or FALL/WINTER BUNDLE >

  • Winter 2027 Schedule

    Tuesday, February 2, 2027
    11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

    Tuesday, February 16, 2027
    Noon-3:30 p.m.

    Tuesday, March 9, 2027
    Noon-3:30 p.m.

    REGISTER FOR WINTER or WINTER/SPRING BUNDLE>

  • Spring 2027

    Friday, April 9, 2027
    8:00-11:00 a.m.

    Friday, April 16, 2027
    8:00-10:00 a.m.

    Friday, April 23, 2027
    8:00-10:00 a.m.

    Friday, April 30, 2027
    8:00-10:00 a.m.

    Friday, May 7, 2027
    8:00-10:00 a.m.

    Friday, May 14, 2027
    8:00-10:00 a.m.

    REGISTER FOR SPRING >

Are you interested in learning more about being part of the next CLI class or know someone who would make a great candidate for Civic Leadership Institute? Complete the referral form to indicate your interest or to refer someone.

The CLI difference

At the end of each cohort, participants indicate their level of agreement with a series of statements before and after the program. The charts below indicate the percentage of participants who agreed or strongly agreed with these specific statements.

I know about Cleveland’s civic assets, issues, and stakeholders.

I know how to find community engagement opportunities that are relevant to my interests and abilities.

To learn more about CLC’s evaluation process, visit our Impact page.

To learn more about CLI, email Austin Harris or call (216) 386-1588.

Civic Leadership Institute

Get the scoop on what’s happening. Get connected to those making it happen. Get involved. To learn more, email Austin Harris below or call (216) 386-1588.

Email Austin

Additional Resources

In their words

“I will become more involved in civic leadership opportunities. Before CLI, I NEVER considered myself important enough to be on a board or committee. I thought that was only for CEO’s, high profile, or “important” professionals. I now feel completely differently.”

CLI Participant, Spring 2026