66 senior leaders to advance cross-sector civic leadership across Greater Cleveland
July 9, 2025 (Cleveland, OH) – The Cleveland Leadership Center (CLC) has named 66 senior-level leaders to the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2026, representing a broad mix of public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Leadership Cleveland empowers leaders to build cross-sector relationships, deepen their understanding of both community opportunities and challenges, and expand their capacity to drive meaningful, collaborative change across the region. Now in its 47th year, Leadership Cleveland brings class members together monthly for one or two-day long, immersive experiences between September and June.
“We were thrilled with the outstanding quality of the applicant pool, from which we have created a class of 66 extraordinary leaders from across our region,” said Becky Ruppert McMahon, President & CEO of the Cleveland Leadership Center. “The Leadership Cleveland Class of 2026 steps into a powerful moment of opportunity—to forge meaningful connections, explore the civic assets and complex challenges that shape our community, and become catalysts for transformational change across our region. Their leadership journey will not only deepen their understanding of Cleveland but also position them to help lead our community forward.”
A few demographic notes on this year’s class:
- 53% identify as female and 47% as male;
- 33% identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC);
- Participants represent a broad mix of sectors with 42% from the for-profit sector, 35% from the nonprofit sector, and 23% from organizations that are economic influencers such as city and county governments, hospitals, airports, and universities; and
- 30% of participants serve as chief executive officers of their organizations, bringing the perspective of top organizational leadership to the program and reflecting the region’s commitment to developing leaders prepared to guide their teams and communities through change.
The Leadership Cleveland selection process has benefited from nearly two decades of guidance from Bruce M. Hennes (LC 2008), CEO of Hennes Communications, who chaired the LC Selection Committee with dedication and attentiveness. CLC extends its deep gratitude to Bruce for his longstanding leadership and service. We also welcome Eddie Taylor (LC 2000), President & CEO of Taylor Oswald, LLC, who previously served as Vice Chair and will assume the role of Chair when the LC27 selection process begins next spring.
The Class of 2026 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. The Class of 2026 will join a trusted network of more than 11,000 CLC alumni, amplifying their collective ability to lead and serve the region.
Applications for Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 2027 will open on February 1, 2026. For more about Leadership Cleveland, visit www.cleveleads.org/LC.
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About the Cleveland Leadership Center (CLC)
The Cleveland Leadership Center builds a continuum of civic leaders committed to community excellence and serves as a catalyst for civic engagement across Greater Cleveland.
Media Contact:
Joan M. Palumbo, Chief Advancement Officer
Cell: (440) 315-1037
jpalumbo@cleveleads.org