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“I’ve had a lifelong passion for helping shape communities to be more equitable, vibrant and livable for all people.”

Lillian Kuri, B.S. ’93, B.Arch. ’94, M.U.D., is shaping the future of Cleveland as the first female president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, which manages $3 billion in assets. In her role, Lillian combines visionary leadership, strategic innovation and a passion for urban design and cultural enrichment, while also applying more than 25 years of architectural and philanthropic expertise to impact the greater Cleveland area.

After graduating from 5X���� with a Bachelor of Architecture, she earned a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University. She then moved to Cleveland, where her career blossomed. 

In 1998, she began working for the City of Cleveland, helping to develop the city’s first

computer-based geographic information system (GIS) and contributing to the Civic Vision 2010 plan. She served as executive director at Cleveland Public Art before joining the Cleveland Foundation as a consultant in 2005 and quickly establishing herself as an essential member of the team. Now, as president and CEO, she is working to transform the city and offer its residents even more opportunities.

“I always knew I wanted to use my architectural training in a nontraditional way,” said Lillian. “I’ve had a lifelong passion helping shape communities to be more equitable, vibrant and livable for all people.”

One of her earliest projects with the foundation, the Greater University Circle Initiative, brought new life to Cleveland’s museum, university and hospital district with a locally focused philosophy. It attracted tens of millions in investments, created hundreds of jobs, improved public transit connectivity and strengthened collaboration among local institutions to promote a thriving urban environment. It is recognized as a national model for anchor institution development strategies.

Lillian also led the foundation's recent transformational move to a new headquarters in MidTown. It was a winner in the equitable development category of the 2024 Urban Land Institute Americas Awards for Excellence and is anchoring a larger revitalization of Cleveland's MidTown and Hough neighborhoods.

An arts advocate, she helped develop the Arts Mastery Initiative at the Cleveland Foundation, which offers high-quality theater, music and visual arts programming throughout Cleveland neighborhoods to more than 3,000 underserved children each year. Her involvement underscores her belief in nurturing local talent and ensuring that Cleveland remains a dynamic cultural hub.

Through the Cleveland Foundation, Lillian has also worked with Kent State’s Cleveland Urban Design Collective on design projects and studies for the city. And she makes sure to connect with fellow Golden Flashes.

“I always make time for students who want to meet,” she said. “I know how many people made time to help me on my professional journey, and this is something I want to pay forward to the next generation.”

Lillian has made a name for herself in the world of architecture and philanthropy during her career. In 2022, she made history again as the first woman to be appointed chair of the Cleveland Planning Commission in the city’s 226-year history.

“I believe Lillian is a role model for all Kent State students and alumni, especially women in the fields of architecture, business, city planning and community service,” said Valoree Vargo, vice president for philanthropy at Kent State. “She is a leader who is respected and admired by her team, which I witnessed firsthand, as well as those she serves in the greater Cleveland community.”

Lillian also cultivates emerging community leaders through the foundation’s summer internship and public service fellowship programs. She leads by example, demonstrating the transformative effect of a life and career dedicated to public service and community enrichment. Through her unique blend of expertise in architecture, philanthropy and community development, she continues to position Cleveland and its residents for even greater success.

“I see the possibilities of our region,” Lillian said. “We have a new generation of leaders who are bringing energy and momentum to our region. People are working together, asking hard questions and demonstrating the courage to recreate.”