CLEVELAND (October 10, 2023) – United Way of Greater Cleveland has promoted Ken Surratt to Chief Development and Investment Officer. This move brings the existing Resource Development and Community Investment functions together under one leader to create one integrated, cross-functional team responsible for achieving the organization’s growth and impact goals.
Sharon Sobol Jordan, United Way of Greater Cleveland’s President and CEO, reflected on key themes she has heard during her first year with the organization. “Our partners want to better understand the progress we are making separately and together and where we can best target our individual and collective investments, voice, and volunteer energy to make the greatest difference. This move is a critical step in our journey to sharpen our focus on impact and results.”
Surratt joined United Way in October of 2021 and currently serves as Chief Community Investment Officer. Under his leadership, the organization’s Community Investment team issued the first grants under a reinvented strategic approach, focusing $2.3 million of investments on specific agency programs that align with United Way’s community strategies; expanded utilization of United Way 211, the free and confidential service for anyone needing help; and launched the Social Determinants of Work Initiative, aimed at advancing access and progress into meaningful work for Greater Clevelanders.
“I have great respect for Ken, both professionally and personally,” Jordan added. “He is widely viewed as a key leader at United Way and in our region with a proven reputation for getting things done. I am looking forward to partnering with him in this new role.”
Vanessa Whiting, United Way’s Board Chair, who previously served as Chair of the Community Investment Committee, and worked closely with Ken to successfully shift United Way’s impact and investment strategy, added: “Our board is excited about United Way’s path forward, and we stand ready to support Sharon, Ken, and the newly-combined team as we evolve into this new way of working together to take United Way well into the future.”
In response to his promotion, Ken said, “I am honored to be entrusted with bringing together these dedicated, high-performing teams. I look forward to modeling this new way of working with them to deliver value to our various stakeholders and make meaningful progress and change in our community.”
Surratt has over 25 years of experience working across government, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. Born and raised in Cleveland, he received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from The University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University.
Surratt and his wife, Jackie, live in Cleveland Heights with their three children.
