On November 16, Leadership Ohio concluded the 2019 year with graduation ceremonies at Cleveland State University’s historic Mather Mansion. On this day, we honored this year's 22 graduates and celebrated great leadership across Ohio.
We are excited to celebrate with you this year's group of distinguished leaders who have completed their eight month journey, launched remarkable projects, and curated new visions for the future of Ohio. Among this exceptional cohort, Dr. Derrick Shelton, Principal, Reynoldsburg City Schools, was selected as Leader Among Leaders, and Roni Burkes-Trowsdell, Deputy Director of the Office of Reentry and Enterprise Development at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC), was chosen as Most Inspirational.
Leader Among Leaders Each year, Leadership Ohio honors an individual with its “Leader Among Leaders” award. This award recognizes that even among the best of leaders there is a leader that stands out. The individual bestowed this award is a member of the current year cohort and has been selected by the cohort for this distinguished honor. Selection of this individual is the current cohort’s declaration that this leader represents both the best of their cohort and their definition of a leader.
Most Inspirational A key development objective of Leadership Ohio focuses on growing leaders’ perspective and how they define the realm of “the possible.” Each year class members are asked to name/select the most inspirational guest from among all guest speakers. This includes each individual speaker, panelists, panel moderators, performers, and more, encompassing eight months of programming. Burkes-Trowsdell addressed the graduating class during the ceremony to resounding applause.
Since 1994, LO has cultivated and elevated the inspiration of elected officials, cross-sector CEOs, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and servant-leaders from public and private walks of life— grassroots to grass-tops. LO seeks to inspire an already distinct group of individuals to a higher level of service. This year's graduate leaders are prepared to contribute to and diversify boards, launch new businesses and initiatives, and champion critical issues politically and civically. These Leaders are committed to serve, promote and affect change, making Ohio the best state to live and work.
We invite you to become an integral part of continuing a mission of service by nominating a Leader or applying to become a member of our Leadership Ohio 2020 cohort.
To learn more about our organization and application process, contact Dr. Lisa Duty, Executive Director, at leadershipoh@gmail.com.
Roni Burkes-Trowsdell, Most Inspirational
Dr. Derrick Shelton, Leader Among Leaders