Cleveland, Ohio, September 20, 2023 – The Junior League of Cleveland proudly announces the election of Barbara Kakiris as its new President, effective June 1, 2023. With an impressive background in public service, community engagement, and a deep understanding of the League’s history and mission, Barbara brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to lead the organization towards a brighter future.

With a diverse and distinguished career, Barbara has showcased her passion for service and leadership in various sectors. As Director of Engagement and Stewardship for The MetroHealth Foundation, Barbara has been instrumental in designing and implementing a comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship program for the hospital system. She spent a decade in higher education, holding key roles as Deputy Chief of Staff at Cleveland State University and Director of Summer Programs at Kenyon College. Barbara also brings two decades of experience from the federal government, where she held pivotal positions at NASA Glenn Research Center, contributing to public relations, protocol, and event management.

Before returning to Cleveland, Barbara was an elected official in Knox County, Ohio, playing an active role in managing the village of Gambier as a member of the Village Council. Her dedication to public service and her track record of creating positive change in diverse communities make her an ideal leader for the Junior League of Cleveland.

Barbara holds an exceptional academic background, having earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from Kenyon College in Gambier, OH, and a Master of Studies (one of the first graduates in Women’s Studies) from The University of Oxford in Oxford, England. Throughout her career, she has pursued continuous education, completing certifications from institutions such as Cleveland State University, MIT Sloan School of Management, The Brookings Institution, and The Protocol School of Washington.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions to various fields, Barbara has received numerous honors and awards, including the NASA Public Service Medal, United States Congressional Achievement Award, Inside Business Magazine’s ATHENA Award, The Junior League of Cleveland’s Ruth T. Lucas and Frances Payne Bolton Awards, Kenyon College’s Anne J. Robinson Award, GLAMOUR Magazine’s Women at Their Best Award, and the Greek America Foundation’s Forty Under 40 Award. She was also inducted into the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation (LREF) Alumni Hall of Fame, further showcasing her impact and influence in the community.

In her new role as President, Barbara Kakiris will build upon the rich legacy of the Junior League of Cleveland while strategically guiding the organization towards new heights of community empowerment and positive change. Her in-depth understanding of the League’s history, combined with her strategic vision and commitment to service, ensures a promising future for the organization and the communities it serves.

Please join us in congratulating Barbara Kakiris on her election as the new President of the Junior League of Cleveland. With her exceptional leadership and passion for community service, we are confident that the League will continue to make a profound impact under her guidance.

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The Junior League of Cleveland is an organization of women whose Mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Founded in 1912, the Junior League of Cleveland has been making a significant impact on the lives of women, children, and families in the Greater Cleveland area.

The Junior League of Cleveland is a member of The Association of Junior Leagues International, an organization of transformational female leaders who set bold goals, open their circles, disrupt convention and change the conversation for the betterment of civil society. Today, there are close to 300 Leagues across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Lisa Mayhugh, Communications VP

Email:  [email protected]