LYNNETTE JACKSON CRENSHAW '93

A proud HBCU alum, Lynnette graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor’s of science degree in marine and environmental science and began what she assumed would be a long career as an environmental chemist. Life, however, would have other plans. Looking to broaden her opportunities beyond analyzing material at toxic land sites, she parlayed a volunteer experience on the mayoral campaign for Cleveland’s first, and to date only, female mayor into a full-time job at Cleveland City Hall. She built on her experiences as special assistant to the Mayor and then Schools Planning Chief, serving as the chief liaison between Cleveland City Hall and the Cleveland Municipal School District, and earned her MBA from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, where she served as President of the Graduate Business School Association and as a graduate a member of Weatherhead’s advisory board. She was selected as an American Marshall Memorial Fellow and traveled to Amsterdam, Brussels, Prague, Lisbon & Bratislava with other young leaders from across the USA for an immersive six-week experience. For nearly two decades she has worked in wealth management, initially at National City/PNC and then for the last 14 years at Key Private Bank where she received KeyBank’s Chairman’s Award for Neighbor of the Year in 2018.

It’s precisely that sense of being a good neighbor and role model that defines her personal ethos. A member of the inaugural class of Cleveland Bridge Builders for mid-career professionals, Lynnette is passionate about giving back to her hometown and that commitment is evident in her longstanding involvement with two other all-women organizations—The Links Incorporated, Western Reserve (OH) Chapter and the Rainbow Babies and Children’s (RBC) Foundation. Exemplifying the core values of The Links—friendship, service, commitment, integrity, respect for self and others, legacy and accountability—she served as chair and co-chair on a number of Links committees, then as corresponding secretary and as President. Under her leadership as President, The Western Reserve Links raised $100,000 for transformational programs, celebrated its 30th anniversary with signature programming and piloted what would become the award-winning Growing Leaders Program focused on empowering greater Cleveland high school girls toward greater academic success and achievement leading to college admission and beyond.

Over her nine-year term on the Rainbow Babies and Children’s Foundation Board she helped design and launch the Foundation’s coed Associate Board for young professionals ages 21-40. One of her supporters noted: “Lynnette was an advocate for the importance that young professionals play in shaping the future of many legacy organizations.”

As anyone who attends Laurel basketball games can attest—she is among its most devout supporters—Lynnette bleeds Green and White, and she brought that same engagement, dynamism and devotion to her trailblazing leadership of two of Laurel’s volunteer boards. She served as the first alumna of color President of Laurel’s Alumnae Association—during her tenure, her team established the Sarah Lyman Day of Community Service which has expanded and is still going strong 12 years later— and she was the first person of color to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees. As her predecessor as Board Chair noted: “Her tenure as Board Chair (2018-2021) coincided with a time in society that was extremely challenging and fraught with tension, conflict and adversity. These times included significant racial tension, issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion and the COVID pandemic.

“With grace, consistency, patience, tough love and a lot of common sense, Lynnette led Laurel both through these times and forward in partnership with the Head of School. She saw a vision for Laurel navigating these waters and bravely continued to walk the path forward to a time when Laurel constituencies could come to a collaborative and negotiated place. No one chooses to lead in difficult times, but when presented with these times, Lynnette rolled up her sleeves, faced forward and walked the path of difficult work to see Laurel through it.”

For her dedication to institutions working on behalf of the citizens of Cleveland, for her unwavering commitment to mentoring young women, especially those of color, and for her insightful Board leadership, strategic thinking and wise counsel to her alma mater, the Laurel School Alumnae Association bestows the Distinguished Alumna Award on Lynnette Jackson Crenshaw ’93.