The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Madison to resign from city council
Elyria City Councilman Marcus Madison will submit his resignation to council, effective July 10 and begin working for the Community West Foundation in midJuly.
Madison, an Elyria native, will join the foundation’s team as a program officer.
The Community West Foundation is a local philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting other organizations that provide food, clothing, shelter and medical care to those most in need in and around Western Cuyahoga County, according to a news release.
As a faith-based organization, the foundation has referenced Matthew 25:40 as a guide for community grant making.
“I look forward to working with a faith-based organization that’s committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families here in Lorain County, and across Northeast Ohio,” Madison said.
The foundation first was introduced to Madison in January when he inquired about a grant.
When the foundation joined the Lorain County Cares COVID-19 Response Fund collaboration in the spring, it was charged with identifying a community member to represent it on the decision-making grants committee, according to the release.
Madison rose to the top, the release said.
“He represented Community West with knowledge, skill and leadership on weekly calls and advocated strongly for basic needs service funding,” said Martin Uhle, Community West Foundation president and CEO.
Since he was 12, Madison has been involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and has built a dynamic partnership that lasted for more than 20 years.
His partnership eventually resulted in his becoming interim executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County.
Madison was responsible for coordinating the agency’s operations, including staffing, fundraising events and marketing.
Through his work with city council, Madison has played a significant role in leading south Elyria through a decade of community investment and growth.
Madison has served on council since 2010, first being elected as a 21-year-old to represent Fifth Ward residents.
“Serving on city council and representing the residents of the fifth ward has been one of my greatest honors,” he said. “After 10 years, I’m prepared to land this plane. The wheels are down and I can see the runway.”
In May, Madison was named in the Young Elected Officials Network 35 Under 35 list honoring him as one of the best progressive leaders in the nation.
“It has been a privilege to serve and represent children and families in Lorain County,” he said. “I look forward to continuing my public service as the new program officer of the Community West Foundation.”
Community West work began in Western Cleveland and has expanded its reach to include agencies in Downtown Cleveland and all of Lorain County.
The Foundation now funds 10 organizations in Lorain County with accumulated grants totaling $2.28 million dollars.