Tri-C Names Lee Friedman as Executive in Residence To Advance Student and Career Success

Outgoing College Now CEO will lead newly created President's Society

Lee Friedman, a widely respected leader in Cleveland's nonprofit sector and the outgoing CEO of College Now Greater Cleveland, has been tapped as the executive in residence at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®). In her new role, Friedman will develop and lead the College's new President's Society, an innovative program that will aim to enhance student success and career readiness.

The announcement was made by Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., the president of Tri-C, who highlighted the alignment between Friedman's extensive experience and the College's mission to empower students and drive workforce development. She will begin in January 2025.

"This program seeks to level the playing field for community college students by offering unique opportunities that foster leadership, cultural enrichment and career preparedness," Baston said. "Lee's exceptional leadership at College Now made her the ideal choice to pioneer this initiative. Her ability to bridge the gap between education and the real world will be transformative for our students."

Friedman, who led College Now to unprecedented achievements, is passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential. During her tenure at College Now, Friedman transformed the organization into a national model for college access and success, helping thousands of students achieve their education and career goals. Her work at Tri-C is seen as a natural extension of this legacy, bringing her expertise to a broader audience of nontraditional, part-time and diverse students, Baston said.

The Tri-C President's Society will prepare high-potential students with essential skills, confidence and professional networks to succeed in the workforce or pursue further education. Friedman will design and lead the program with a focus on:

• Developing a dynamic curriculum that emphasizes career readiness, leadership and cultural enrichment.
• Creating impactful workshops and opportunities for Student Ambassadors to serve as campus leaders.
• Mentoring and advising students to guide their development and professional growth.
• Engaging with business and community leaders to expand mentorship and networking opportunities.

Friedman will also partner strategically with Tri-C leadership on other key initiatives that enhance student success and expand workforce development offerings. She noted that her work with Tri-C is one of several civic projects she plans to pursue to advance the viability of Greater Cleveland.

Friedman described the new role as "a perfect fit."

"I'm excited to work with Tri-C to create a program that empowers students to achieve their goals, supports their dreams, and strengthens our community," Friedman said. "Helping students succeed is at the heart of this initiative because their individual success translates into collective progress. Encouraging students to aim higher — whether through college or technical training — equips them with the tools to become the leaders, innovators and change-makers who will drive our region's growth and prosperity."

December 11, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu