PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE AKRON URBAN LEAGUE TO RETIRE

The Akron Urban League (AUL) announced today that Teresa R. LeGrair, CEO since 2019, has

announced her intention to retire from her position at the end of March 2024.

Under her leadership, AUL has achieved significant milestones and accomplishments, solidifying its

position as a leader in workforce development, minority business development, education,

advocacy, civic engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Akron Urban League experienced substantial financial growth under LeGrair’s guidance,

creating the pathway to greatly improved financial sustainability, program growth, skilled workforce

development, competitive wages, expanded employee benefits and capital improvements at the

AUL facility.

LeGrair’s tenure included leading during the formidable challenges of the pandemic and civil unrest

in 2020-2021, whereas the AUL served the community commendably under her direction.

Additionally, under LeGrair’s leadership, the AUL has established a three-year strategic plan which

will generate momentum into 2025, the centennial anniversary of the AUL, and beyond.

LeGrair’s tenure also saw a concentration on community-focused growth across all programs,

including the expansion of education and scholarships, workforce development and re-entry, the

Neighborhood Ambassador Program, the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) – which

serves between 600-800 businesses annually, and the establishment in 2020 of the Minority

Contractor Capital Access Program (MCCAP) – which has generated more than $7 million in

contracts for minority contractors.

Further, her impact to the greater Akron community is demonstrated by significant community

partnerships and civic engagement, which includes service on multiple boards, committees and task

forces, as well as mentoring emerging leaders for which her leadership has facilitated seeding,

nurturing and growth.

“Teresa’s dedication, authenticity and professionalism has served to raise the profile of the Akron

Urban League across the city, county, region and state,” said Jolene A. Lane, chair of the Akron

Urban League Board of Directors. “The powerful influence of her accomplishments and impact of

her departure will be felt throughout the region.”

Before joining the Urban League, LeGrair held leadership roles at the Akron Community Foundation,

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, Akron Canton Regional Food Bank and the National

Inventors Hall of Fame.

The Akron Urban League is a social services organization that focuses on improving the lives of

African Americans in Summit County through workforce development, entrepreneurship, education

and youth programs, civic engagement and social justice advocacy. For information about the AUL,

please visit the agency’s website, www.akronurbanleague.org. The AUL Board of Directors will be

launching a search immediately. They have contracted Waverly Partners Executive Search

Consultants, whom you may contact at aulceo@waverly-partners.com.