Welcome to the Team: Meet Our New Development & Relationship Managers!

Welcome Our New Associate Director, Michael Grasso!

Engage! Cleveland is growing in size! We are joined by two stellar industry professionals who will be taking on the roles of Development Manager and Relationship Manager. Let’s get to know them more below!

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, Katherine was proven leader in the field of education before joining the nonprofit sector. Well-versed in academic leadership, she has served as the dean of elementary school students at an independent school in Cleveland. Throughout her career Katherine moved from coast to coast before making Cleveland her forever home. She brings a wealth of experience, and practical knowledge to support people of all ages and backgrounds to the role of Relationship Manager with E!C.

Patrick graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Advertising Copywriting and minors in Graphic Design and Marketing. He began his career at American Greetings and later held roles in sales, product development, and e-commerce, where he discovered how to apply creativity to business strategy. Patrick is now excited to bring his diverse experience to Engage! Cleveland and make an impact in the nonprofit sector.

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Get to Know Katherine:

Where are you from?

I am originally from Upstate New York, near the Finger Lakes region. I moved to New York City to start my career in elementary education and eventually moved to San Francisco, CA. I moved to Cleveland Heights, OH, three years ago.

Where did you go to school?

I went to Syracuse University for my undergraduate degree in African American Studies. I returned to SU a couple years later for my Masters of Education in Childhood Education.

What do you love about Cleveland?

My husband and I love to support and celebrate the arts. Cleveland has such a vibrant and eclectic performing arts scene. We love seeing shows at Karamu House, Dobama Theater, Near West Theater and of course Playhouse Square!

Why do you stay in Cleveland?

I knew when I moved here that Cleveland would be our forever home! It has been wonderful to discover Cleveland and all the different neighborhoods. Cleveland is a remarkable city with so much to offer!

What is your go-to spot to take family and friends to in the Cleveland area?

Living in Cleveland Heights, we love going to restaurants in the Cedar/Lee area and Tommy’s on Coventry is a neighborhood staple and go-to spot for us!

What is one place, restaurant, or museum you look forward to visiting (for the first time)?

I haven’t visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – yet! I am as intrigued by the architecture of I.M Pei as I am by the museum’s collection inside.

What is a fun fact about you?

Between my undergraduate and graduate studies, I moved to Tahoe, CA and worked at an Olympic mountain. I worked in the Ski School and taught very young children how to ski – fun fact: I don’t ski!

Something you look forward to every summer in Cleveland?

Outdoor performances – Cain Park always has an incredible line up! I also love hosting family and friends for a backyard barbeque!

Why EC?

Our mission at E!C aligns with my passion for community development, education and civic engagement. Working in elementary education for almost 20 years, I encouraged my students and colleagues to be active in their local communities. Now as the Relationship Manager I am excited to continue this work with emerging leaders and young professionals in and around Cleveland. I want everyone to love Cleveland as much as I do!

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Get to Know Patrick:

Where are you from?

I grew up in Akron, but I have lived in Lakewood for the last 13 years.

Where did you go to school?

Kent State University

What do you love about Cleveland?

I love the art and culture scene. We are members of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, regularly attend shows at Playhouse Square and are very involved with the Beck Center.

Why do you stay in Cleveland?

For me, it’s got to be the people. Even though I grew up in Akron, the people of Cleveland and Lakewood have embraced my family and I feel like a part of the community. The small businesses, the schools, and the local leaders all feel invested in the community and our success and growth.

What is your go-to spot to take family and friends to in the Cleveland area?

Now, it would have to be the recently renovated Natural History Museum. It is spectacular and there’s literally something for people of all ages. We’ve taken out-of-town family 3 times now and every time it’s been great!

What is one place, restaurant, or museum you look forward to visiting (for the first time)?

I love miniature golf but have not had a chance to visit Birdietown yet in Lakewood. The inside looks so cool and I’ve heard great things about the food and drinks!

What is a fun fact about you?

I love to paint, especially portraits of dogs and cats for friends and family when I have downtime.

Something you look forward to every summer in Cleveland?

Hitting the city pools in Lakewood with my wife and daughter.

Why EC?

I’ve spent all of my career in Corporate America, accumulating years of knowledge in sales, product development and training. I reached a mid-career point where I wanted to work in a different capacity but apply all of my learnings in a new way. Engage! Cleveland’s mission to engage, attract and retain emerging, diverse talent to Greater Cleveland felt very meaningful to me. It is a place where I can use my experiences to drive the organization forward but also connect with Cleveland talent and stay energized.