Lillian Kuri

Lillian Kuri is the President and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, having assumed the role on August 1, 2023. She is notable for being the first woman to hold this position in the foundation's 109-year history. Kuri previously served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the foundation, a role she took on in March 2021. Her extensive career at the Cleveland Foundation began in 2005 as a project consultant, and she has since held various leadership positions, including senior vice president for strategy and vice president for strategic grantmaking, arts, and urban design.12

Kuri holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Kent State University and Harvard University, respectively. Before her tenure at the Cleveland Foundation, she was the executive director of Cleveland Public Art and worked on significant urban planning initiatives for the City of Cleveland.23 Her work has focused on community revitalization, economic development, and arts programming, particularly benefiting underserved populations. One of her key initiatives is the Greater University Circle Initiative, which has been recognized nationally for its impact on local development.12

In addition to her role at the foundation, Kuri also serves as the chair of the Cleveland Planning Commission, marking another historic achievement as the first woman to hold that position in the city's history.23 She is committed to fostering community engagement and leadership through various programs aimed at developing emerging leaders in Cleveland.23

Kuri's leadership is characterized by her dedication to creating equitable and vibrant communities through strategic innovation and collaboration among civic leaders.12