You know how sometimes organizations conspicuously launch a “nationwide search” for a top leader, wasting time and money when the right person is under their nose?
Luckily, the board of directors of the venerable Cleveland Foundation, founded in 1914, didn’t bother with this. After a careful process to define what it was looking for in a leader, it named Lillian A. Kuri, who has been with the foundation for 18 years, the 10th president/CEO of the Cleveland Foundation. Her most recent title there was senior vice president for strategy. She succeeds Ronald Richard, who is retiring after 20 years.
“After multiple rounds of intensive interviews with Lillian, we felt we didn’t have to look any further because not only did she check all the boxes, she surpassed what was required and truly embodies the characteristics and qualities needed to lead the Cleveland Foundation’s next chapter,” said Constance Hill-Johnson, chairperson of the Cleveland Foundation Board of Directors in the press release announcing her selection. “Lillian brings a proven track record and a sense of creativity to the way she looks at the work of the foundation and its role in the community. She knows the city like the back of her hand and has an amazing ability to foster and build relationships — to really put people at ease.”
Kuri has a special interest and deep experience in arts, culture and placemaking, directing resources to underserved communities and youth. She is a licensed architect with a master’s in architecture from Harvard University. She previously led Cleveland Public Art, which became part of LAND Studio.
It’s a time of change for the Cleveland Foundation. In addition to a new leader, it will soon have a new home in Midtown between Chester and Euclid at East 66th Street next to the Dunham Tavern Museum.
Learn more here.