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CLEVELAND, OH—JULY 1, 2026—During the June Annual Meeting of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Workforce Development Board, dba Greater Cleveland Works, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to strong governance by welcoming new leadership, but not before celebrating the commitment of several long-time board members and now—Chair Emeritus Dr. Ethan Karp.
Dr. Karp became Chair of the Board in early 2020 and led the organization through its nonprofit transition in 2024, the result of a decade-long effort to improve service delivery, strengthen the organization, and pursue innovation. In his time as Chair, tens of thousands of Cuyahoga residents have benefitted from services.
“Dr. Karp has steered this organization through a period of great economic and social change, leading with integrity, inclusivity, and commitment to customers. I am grateful for his commitment of wisdom and energy,” stated CEO Michelle Rose.
Also terming off the board after nine years of committed service:
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James Vaughan: Vaughan has been a committed and supportive board member in several ways, serving formerly as Chair of the Communications Committee, most recently serving as Vice Chair of the Board, and has provided critical insight on two recent ad hoc committees evaluating major financial decisions.
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Kim Thomas: As a mayor and small business owner, Thomas's wide network of relationships in the community have strengthened the Youth Committee she has led with distinction and care.
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Kim Shelnick: Her longtime service to this Board spans several innovations she has pursued to grow and retain more health care workers in our community. Shelnick's insights and diligence will continue to benefit this organization.
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Camille Ali: Ali's critical work serving Ohioans with disabilities has informed our Board and its policies, service delivery, and communications. We are very grateful for her time and leadership, particular her recent service as Co-Chair of the Operations & Disabilities Committee.
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Marzell Brown: Brown’s candid contributions to the Youth Committee, and to the business of the Board generally, have definitively strengthened our ability to deliver programming.
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Senayt Fekadu: Her perspective as a Black woman business owner of a popular restaurant has been invaluable to our employer solutions work.
Governance Chair Cathy Belk presented a slate of new leadership for the Board, which was unanimously confirmed to newly elect:
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Chair, Dr. Michael Schoop, Greater Cleveland Partnership
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Vice Chair, Crystal Bryant-Agyemang, KeyBank
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Secretary, Shana Marbury White, Cuyahoga Community College
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Treasurer, Cathy Belk, Deaconess Foundation
“Greater Cleveland Works plays a critical role in connecting people to opportunity and businesses to talent. As Chair, I am eager to work with Michelle and the leaders on the Board to strengthen those connections and drive measurable impact for workers, employers, and the region,” shared incoming Chair, Dr. Michael Schoop.
These changes are effective July 1, 2026.
About Greater Cleveland Works
Greater Cleveland Works is leading the way to a better workforce system for all through services, funding and collaboration. In 2024, we supported more than 12,000 people in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County with their career pursuits, placing over 1,000 individuals in jobs and helping more than 700 individuals secure industry-recognized credentials. We collaborate with dozens of partners to strengthen the workforce system and grow the regional economy. Learn more at greaterclevelandworks.org.
Media Contact
Michelle Rose
michelle.rose@greaterclevelandworks.org
440.897.0519
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