Program inspires leaders to keep moving region forward
A cohort of 66 leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors has been selected to participate in the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2022 starting this fall.
They will spend the year learning more deeply about challenges and opportunities facing Northeast Ohio, building relationships and collaborating with other leaders, and using the experience to continue moving the region forward.
“The past year has shown more clearly than ever how important it is that leaders have the awareness, understanding, and networks to be sure their organizations can adapt, survive, and serve even under the most trying of circumstances,” said CLC President and CEO Marianne Crosley.
“When the pandemic hit, leaders needed to continually innovate. Many of the leaders who were most visible are alumni of earlier Leadership Cleveland classes,” Crosley said.
Leadership Cleveland is an intensive 10-month program that challenges senior-level leaders who have a passion for Cleveland to act on pressing community issues. The program provides unique and meaningful opportunities for conversations and experiences that build knowledge, skills, and relationships.
The class was selected through a highly competitive application process. The deep candidate pool included many established leaders eager to build on their professional, civic, and leadership roles.
The program begins with an opening retreat in September 2021 followed by monthly daylong sessions, a mid-year retreat, and small-group meetings throughout. In May 2022, the group will travel to another city to glean lessons that can apply to Cleveland. After a commencement ceremony in June 2022, participants will be better positioned to amplify the impact they and their businesses and organizations have on Cleveland.
Many Leadership Cleveland alumni continue their involvement as LC2 Fellows to engage in an outcome-driven project aimed at sustainable change. The LC2 Class of 2021 focused on strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their meetings, interviews, and research are helping identify how the region can better support and promote entrepreneurism.
The previous year’s LC2 Fellows Class of 2020 piloted a project to connect, mentor, and elevate emerging leaders of color.
More than 2,500 community leaders have completed Leadership Cleveland in its past 43 years, joining a total of nearly 10,000 Cleveland Leadership Center alumni.
Other CLC programs engage civic leaders across the career spectrum, from high school students in the Look Up To Cleveland program to college students (Campus Cleveland), young professionals (On-Board Cleveland), mid-career professionals (Cleveland Bridge Builders), retirees (Legacy Leaders) and adults of any age (Civic Leadership Institute.
See the LC Class of 2022 roster here >
Learn more about the program here >
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About the Cleveland Leadership Center (CLC)
The Cleveland Leadership Center’s mission is to build a continuum of civic leaders committed to our community’s excellence by serving as a catalyst for civic engagement. CLC provides leadership and community engagement opportunities across a wide spectrum of life and career stages to inspire and connect people to transform Cleveland.
Media contact
Michael E. Bennett, Vice President of External Affairs
Work: (216) 592-2426, Cell: (216) 408-3874, mbennett@cleveleads.org