Akron Urban League Appoints New President & CEO Subhead: Sadie Winlock brings a mix of business

AKRON, Ohio — August 19, 2016 — Following a national search, the Board of Trustees of the Akron Urban League has appointed Sadie Winlock D. Mgmt., MBA as President and CEO. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in the profit, not-for profit and small business sectors, Ms. Winlock brings exceptional skills to reshape and deliver a successful strategy, engaging employees, the corporate community, funders and citizens to achieve the mission and vision of the Akron Urban League. "She is known for her business acumen, organizational and people development and plan execution," says Larry Chadwick, Akron Urban League Board Chair and Interim President & CEO. "We believe she will bring all of her talents and skills to the organization, driving the Akron Urban League into its future to ensure the empowerment of people to live a quality life." "The Akron Urban League should be a major catalyst for all programs and services that support individuals and families in the Greater Akron area. We should serve to educate and engage the corporate community on how to best partner with us, playing a significant role in improving the quality of life of its citizens and allowing them to become significant contributors to the economy." said Ms. Winlock. "Our funders should feel confident that their financial support is serving the mission and vision they believe in, and the members of the community should know who we are, how we serve them, and see us as a helpmate to becoming their best. It is my goal to lead the Akron Urban League to achieve this brand and deliver exceptional services to all stakeholders." "Her experience in managing and developing staff, fundraising, program development and strategic planning, positions her for success in her new role", says Chadwick. Winlock has held several senior executive leadership roles with Allstate Insurance Company, leading leaders in five states (North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio), in this capacity she has played a significant role in the achievement of regional goals. Upon early retirement from Allstate, Ms. Winlock developed a business-consulting firm, which allowed her to serve clients locally and in Washington, DC. Partnering with a DC organization to manage federal contracts with the DC Chamber of Commerce, Army National Guard and other federal agencies, she and her team of consultants served to support improvements in processes, programs and communications.In her last role as Chief Operating Officer at the YWCA Greater Cleveland, she successfully augmented the agency's strategic plan, recruited and hired specialists to enhance services, managed corporate and individual donor fundraising, and adopted a program that enhanced the focus of the agency on their mission of "eliminating racism" called "It's Time to Talk." This and other programs increased participation from both clients and funders.

Ms. Winlock holds a bachelor's in English from North Carolina Central University, an MBA from Myers University, and a Doctorate in Management from the University of Phoenix.

The mission of the Akron Urban League is to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Summit County,particularly African Americans, through economic self-reliance and social empowerment