Mayor Annette M. Blackwell

Early Years

Thinking back to your early years, was there a teacher or professor that had a significant impact on your professional journey? If so, please share.

PROFESSIONAL TITLE:

Mayor and Safety Director

City of Maple Heights

HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio

EDUCATION:

• ASB, Indiana Wesleyan University

• BA, Ursuline College

MY MANTRA…

I am good enough

A 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Goodman. She helped to encourage my love of reading and history specifically. I felt seen and very special in her classroom, she gave me the confidence and encouragement to lead and confirmed that I could be a great leader by given me leadership roles, a school safety guard.

Career

What professional accomplishment are you most humbled by and why?

Bringing the City of Maple Heights out of fiscal emergency. The city was placed in fiscal emergency in 2015 with a debt of more than $2 million. The recovery was a 5-year plan. I was able to do it in 4 years, a year earlier than the plan.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is vital to the longevity and success of any professional. On your most challenging day, where do you draw inspiration to continue feeding your passion for this work?

In the history of the men and women that suffered in my family due to the cruelty of slavery. I am only the second generation from sharecroppers who picked cotton in the South. My family moved to Ohio in 1962 when I was two years old.

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally?

Being a Black and female Mayor serving as the city’s Safety Director. Having to reconcile these roles in a police-involved shooting of a young Black man by a Black police officer.

PHILOSOPHY

The essentials to creating a harmonious work environment are…

Acknowledging and respecting your colleagues, making space for the greatness of others.

What have you come to learn about success?

Everything that you have done, lived and work experiences, prepares you for the success which is earned not given.

What have you come to learn about balancing career and lifestyle?

The balance is only imagined, if you don’t schedule and prioritize your career and the things in life that are important to you. I have to make the appointment and keep it.

My Confessions

What part of your job brings you the most joy?

The positive impact on the lives that I affect; offering employment, opportunity, resources second chances, and grace.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned professionally? How do you apply this lesson to the work you do?

People respond to professionalism, preparedness, and knowledge. I am always conscious of my presentation in word and writing.

Fun Fact

My ideal vacation is… Capetown, South Africa

PROFESSIONAL TITLE:

CEO, Signal Ohio

HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois

EDUCATION: