Global Cleveland Names Its First President

CLEVELAND, Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Global Cleveland, a new civic economic development initiative focused on connecting newcomers to opportunities and the region, has named C. Lawrence Miller its president. In this role, Miller will oversee the organization's staff and be responsible for designing and implementing its strategic programming.  

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Miller brings more than 25 years of talent attraction and international human resources experience to Global Cleveland.  Most recently, he has served as vice president, human resources, of the Lubrizol Corporation, a $5.6 billion provider of performance chemicals and advanced materials for industrial, coatings, transportation and consumer products markets worldwide with headquarters and three other locations in the Cleveland region.

"Larry has tremendous experience in talent attraction and human resources on a global level," said Baiju R. Shah, chairman of the board. "He is a proven leader who truly understands the value of human capital and will help Global Cleveland achieve its goal of bringing talented newcomers to the region."

"Global Cleveland will be very inclusive with its efforts in attracting people. We intend to reach out to people from all parts of the country," Shah continued. "This includes native-born Americans and immigrants, former Clevelanders and those that have never been here, professionals, skilled workers, and individuals looking for new opportunities from all areas of the country."

Earlier this year, the organization brought together civic, business and community leaders for a two-day community summit. The purpose of the summit was to identify regional needs and determine viable solutions. One of Global Cleveland's primary focuses will be to grow the population in Greater Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region. Miller will officially join Global Cleveland in early October to lead these efforts.  

In addition to his 13 years with Lubrizol, Miller held senior leadership positions with Tremco, Diebold, and Ferro Corporation. He lived and worked in France for two years and is president of the French-American Chamber of Commerce (Northern Ohio). Miller serves on the board of Cleveland's Center for Families and Children and is a member of the Human Resource Planning Society.  He is also fluent in three languages and has studied several others.  

"I am excited to take on this new challenge of growing and strengthening the region," said Miller.  "Global Cleveland is critical to the region to help employers continue their growth here by filling high-tech job vacancies, encouraging entrepreneurial growth and driving the migration of skilled workers to Cleveland."

Global Cleveland is focused on attracting and connecting newcomers to the more than 20,000 open positions that are currently unfilled in the region. Miller will spearhead the initiative's work to attract and welcome newcomers to the region and connect them to opportunities. In addition, the organization will develop programs to help retain international students and create professional pathways for newcomers.

About Global Cleveland

Global Cleveland is a new civic organization committed to regional economic development by actively attracting newcomers, welcoming and connecting them both economically and socially to the many opportunities throughout Greater Cleveland. The initiative has raised more than $1 million in funding from Huntington Bank, Forest City Enterprises, The Cleveland Foundation, Jewish Federation of Cleveland, The Maltz Foundation, and The George Gund Foundation.  For more information visit www.globalclevelandinitiative.com

SOURCE Global Cleveland