Tower sworn in as new board member

Jessie Tower, attorney and CPA, is a 1979 alumna

Jessie Tower, of Lorain, is returning to her alma mater as its newest trustee.

Tower, who is a 1979 graduate of Lorain County Community College where she also served as a student senator, was sworn in for a five-year term that ends in January 2026.

She is a 1977 graduate of Clearview High School.

Tower holds a bachelor of Business Administration from Cleveland State University, a master of Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace College and a law degree from Capital University Law School.

She is an attorney and certified public accountant.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to give back by serving as a member of the LCCC District Board of Trustees,” Tower said. “I have experienced firsthand the value of Lorain County

Community College as a graduate and have witnessed its continuing impact on students, our economy and entire community.”

In January, Lorain County commissioners appointed her to the LCCC Board of Trustees.

Tower is the oldest of 10 children and daughter of the Rev. Peter and Clara Tower.

She also serves as the organist for her church.

Tower has 30 years of experience in state government.

She started out as an entrylevel junior auditor and worked her way up in state government and served in several leadership positions including chief auditor, section chief, bureau chief and assistant deputy director.

Tower is retired from the Ohio Department of Job & Family Service with 30 years of state service.

She currently serves as director of Tower Educational Learning Center.

Tower is a member of many

professional organizations and serves on various boards in the community including Let’s Get Real Inc., a nonprofit Recovery Community Organization whose mission is to provide information,

education and resource assistance to families and loved ones in their journey from addiction to recovery, chair of the Board of Trustees for Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, parliamentarian for the

Lorain County Alliance of Black School Educators Inc. and secretary for the Lorain County Republican Party Central Committee.

“Jessie’s wealth of experience and passion for our community will be a great benefit to the Board and guiding LCCC in serving the needs of our community during a very important time,” said LCCC President Marcia Ballinger, Ph.D. “As an LCCC graduate, she understands the important role the College plays in improving lives through quality, affordable access to higher education.”

Tower was appointed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and confirmed by the Senate to the Minority Development Financing Advisory Board for a term running from Nov. 9, 2020, to Sept. 30, 2026.

The Board assists the Development Services Agency in creating employment opportunities and wealth in the minority business community.

SUBMITTED Jessie Tower takes the oath of office as a new member of the Lorain County Community College District Board of Trustees.