Lilleana (Lilly) Cavanaugh, MBA, CPM
Deputy Chief, Business Solutions & Outreach
Minority Business Development Division, Ohio Department of Development

Lilly is the Deputy Chief for Business Solutions & Outreach at the Minority Business Development Division of the Ohio Department of Development. In this role, she works to increase the number of certified minority, women-owned, veteran friendly and diverse business enterprises. Mrs. Cavanaugh is focused on increasing the number of businesses receiving technical assistance, access to capital, and supporting the increase in procurement opportunities for businesses in our state.

Lilly has an extensive career in the private and public sector. Most recently, she served as Executive Director for the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, State of Ohio. Mrs. Cavanaugh has been directly engaged with the Latino and ethnic minority communities in Ohio for 25 years. She has played a key role in building collaboration and partnerships among government entities, community-based organizations, and the private sector to improve the quality of life and opportunities for ethnic minorities in Ohio. She is originally from Costa Rica and has lived and worked in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Lilly is a Certified Public Manager, and has an associate degree in business from Sinclair Community College, a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s degree in business administration from Capella University.