Joan M. Palumbo
Joan M. Palumbo has been named Chief Advancement Officer of the Cleveland Leadership Center. She will succeed Michael E. Bennett in the role effective January 2, 2025.
Bennett, an alum of CLC’s Leadership Cleveland program (Class of 2009), earlier this year announced his retirement effective December 31, 2024. He joined CLC’s team in 2014.
“Joan brings a depth of background and skills that will advance CLC’s work to inspire leaders to create change in the community,” said CLC President and CEO Rebecca (“Becky”) Ruppert McMahon. “While we are sad to see Michael leave, we are thrilled to welcome Joan to CLC, where she will build on the strong fundraising and community awareness successes Michael achieved during his tenure.”
Palumbo will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that expand the financial resources of the organization and enhance its reputation across the community, McMahon said. Since CLC program tuition covers only about 40% of the operating budget, philanthropy is crucial to maintaining and expanding its impact on leaders and on the community, she said.
“We are grateful that so many corporations, foundations, and individuals see the value of civic leadership development and make investments in their teams, in CLC’s work, and in the community,” McMahon said. “I know that under Joan’s leadership, CLC will continue to be strong financially and in impact.”
Palumbo most recently was Chief Philanthropy & Marketing Officer for HELP Foundation, Inc., which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has served in similar fundraising roles at Eliza Bryant Village, The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland, and other organizations.
She has been a Board Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cleveland Chapter; President of the Board of the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations; Chair of the 2021 National Philanthropy Day; and Secretary of the Northern Ohio Planned Giving Council.
She also has been an active volunteer with Avon Citizens Police Academy, Lake Catholic High School’s Strategic Planning Committee, Eleven Eggs which provides mental health advocacy and education, and Coach Sam’s Inner Circle providing wellness and literacy education to at-risk youth, among other organizations.
McMahon noted that Bennett helped lead CLC to launch its first Endowment Fund campaign, which raised just over $1 million in two years. His work in the past decade also resulted in a 41% increase in funds donated by CLC alumni in the annual CLC Membership campaign, and a 37% increase in the number of alumni donors.
He helped turn Accelerate: Citizens Make Change, CLC’s signature annual civic pitch competition, into its largest fund-raising event, more than tripling donated revenue from 2015 to 2024. He also worked with Board leadership and donors to formalize and expand CLC’s annual Corporate & Community Partnership Campaign.
“As we celebrate Michael’s tremendous legacy with CLC, we are also excited to welcome Joan to our organization,” said Bill Caster, CLC Board Chair. “The Board looks forward to working with Joan to continue ensuring CLC has financial resources and community support to inspire, connect, and engage leaders for today and for the future.”
###
About Cleveland Leadership Center
Cleveland Leadership Center provides collaborative leadership training, civic education and connections to leaders from high school students to retirees, empowering them to identify and take action on issues that resonate with them and positioning them to become change agents in the community. Visit www.cleveleads.org, @Cleveland Leadership Center on LinkedIn, or @cleveleads on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Media contact
Michael E. Bennett, Chief Advancement Officer
Work: (216) 592-2426, Cell: (216) 408-3874, mbennett@cleveleads.org