The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Urban league chooses CEO
After an extensive local and national search, the Board of Directors of the Lorain County Urban League, with the support of the National Urban League, announced Feb. 25 that Parris M. Smith was selected to lead the organization as president and CEO, according to a news release.
“During the nine month search, selection and certification process, Ms. Smith, who at the time was recently promoted to manager of operations, served (the Lorain County Urban League) exceptionally well in the interim role of president and CEO,” said Cindy Kushner, board chair for the Lorain County Urban League. “Additionally, she participated in the National Urban League annual conference in the president and CEO track, the (National Urban League) Public Policy and Affiliate Leadership Summit and served as a member of the Advisory
Council of Executives.
“In short, Ms. Smith has taken every opportunity to grow as a leader while in the interim role.”
Smith earned her first degree from Lorain County Community College at age 18, her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cleveland State University and master’s degree in science psychology with a focus on public administration and social change from Walden University, the release said.
“I am honored and humbled to have the trust and confidence of the Lorain County Urban League board as well as the National Urban League to lead this affiliate,” Smith said. “As we begin our 42nd year of empowering our community and changing lives, I feel our future is bright, and with the support of our valued partners, we will serve our community well.”
Smith has worked at the Lorain County Urban
League more than four years as the Urban League fellow project ready coordinator, senior empowerment coach, program manager and manager of operations.
She serves on the board of Leadership Lorain County, is a graduate of the Best Class of 2017 and is a founding committee member of Connections Lorain County, a young professionals group with Leadership Lorain County.
As a student, Smith personally benefited from the partnership of the Lorain County Urban League and Mercy Health’s Rising Star Medical Internship Program.
The Lorain County Urban League board and staff will host a meet-andgreet open house for partners and the public to welcome Smith into her new, permanent role from 4-6 p.m., March 3, at the Lorain County Urban League, 200 Middle Ave., Suite 200 in Elyria.