Meredith M. Turner
Shaker Heights
Summary
Public official and civic leader with over 20 years of experience in government, education, and nonprofit sectors. Currently serving as Councilwoman for Cuyahoga County District 9, overseeing a $1.7 billion budget and leading initiatives in housing, economic development, and public safety. Recipient of multiple National Association of Counties Achievement Awards for contributions to equity and community revitalization. Expertise in policy development, fiscal oversight, and coalition building, with a strong track record of driving measurable community impact.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Councilwoman | Chair, Finance & Budgeting Committee
Cuyahoga County Council
11.2021 - Current
- Directed $1.7 billion budget, delivering a balanced biennial budget for 2024-2025 with investments in social services and housing.
- Oversaw District 9 allocations of $6 million and $10.7 million countywide, ensuring grant funding for all nine Divine Nine organizations.
- Advanced housing affordability initiatives, including a $1 million construction loan fund and rental repair support; launched Transit-Oriented Development Loan Program.
- Secured two NACo Achievement Awards (2025) for H.O.P.E. Campus and Toxicology Lab Modernization Project.
- Championed climate initiatives such as Lake Erie Wind Farm and Healthy Urban Tree Canopy expansion.
- Managed $20 million broadband expansion; recognized as 2022 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer.
- Reviewed grant applications from organizations seeking financial assistance from City Council.
- Organized public hearings and community forums to foster citizen engagement in decision-making.
Election Official
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
01.2017 - 11.2021
- Directed absentee and early voting processes for seniors, disabled voters, and incarcerated individuals.
- Trained and supervised 250+ election officials on ADA compliance, election law, and election equipment.
- Oversaw ballot integrity and reporting to the Ohio Secretary of State.
- Assisted in the preparation of ballots and voting materials for distribution.
- Provided support to voters with inquiries and accessibility needs at polling sites.
- Collaborated with local agencies to promote voter participation initiatives.
- Processed absentee ballots according to applicable laws and regulations.
- Coordinated logistics associated with early voting sites, mail-in ballots, provisional ballots.
Minority Engagement Liaison
Ohio Democratic Party
07.2018 - 12.2019
- Increased African American voter turnout in low-performing precincts by 15%.
- Developed outreach programs targeting faith leaders, small businesses, and Black Greek organizations.
- Coordinated outreach events to engage voters and promote party initiatives.
- Established partnerships with local stakeholders to enhance community ties.
- Built volunteer networks to support campaigns for local, judicial, and congressional offices.
- Facilitated communication between party members and community organizations to drive collaboration.
- Organized meetings, workshops, and conferences to achieve successful outcomes.
Immigration Consultant
Margaret Wong & Associates
04.2016 - 01.2017
- Guided clients through complex federal immigration processes, achieving an 85% approval rate.
- Prepared and reviewed immigration applications for accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Conducted consultations to evaluate client eligibility for various visa types.
- Collaborated with legal teams to resolve challenging immigration cases effectively.
- Educated clients on rights and responsibilities during the immigration process.
- Researched immigration laws and policies to provide current guidance to clients.
- Assisted clients in accurately completing application forms according to requirements.
- Participated in community outreach initiatives to inform immigrants about available services.
Constituent Services Liaison & Regional Representative
Office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown
Northeast Ohio
01.2006 - 04.2016
- Managed immigration, Homeland Security, and State Department casework portfolios.
- Supervised 8 outreach staff; executed the Senator's African American Outreach Plan; represented him across 20 counties.
- Connected federal resources to local governments, businesses, and nonprofits.
- Drafted policy communications, speeches, and agency correspondence.
Educator & Coach
Cleveland & Shaker Heights Schools
08.2000 - 06.2012
- Developed individualized education programs (IEPs) to meet diverse student needs.
- Taught core subjects while designing multicultural programs to enhance curriculum relevance.
- Facilitated engaging classroom discussions that promoted critical thinking skills.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to cultivate a positive learning environment.
- Provided tailored support for students with ADD, ADHD, and other learning disabilities.
- Conducted regular assessments to track student progress and understanding.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, and test scores.
- Coached basketball, volleyball, and track teams in junior varsity and varsity roles.
Education
Leadership Cleveland Class of 2025 - Leadership
Cleveland Leadership Center
Cleveland, OH06-2025
Public Leadership Academy - Leadership
John Glenn College, The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH05-2024
Associate of Arts - Arts & Sciences
Cuyahoga Community College
Warrensville Heights, OH06-2016
FBI Citizens Academy - Graduate
Cleveland FBI
Cleveland, OH04-2012
Certificate - Organizational Leadership
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH05-2008
Master of Arts - Curriculum & Instruction, M.Ed
Cleveland State University
Cleveland01-2004
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL01-1997
Skills
- Public Policy & Fiscal Oversight
- Budget Development & Grantmaking
- Economic & Housing Development
- Climate Action & Sustainability Initiatives
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategies
- Constituent Services & Casework
- Legislative Writing & Public Speaking
- Digital Equity & Technology Integration
- Program Innovation & Community Organizing
- Training, Mentorship & Leadership Development
- Strategic Communication & Media Relations
- Project management
- Budgeting techniques
- Community outreach
- Policy development
- Public speaking
- Strategic planning
- Conflict resolution
- Community engagement
- Public policy analysis
- Critical thinking
- Policy review
- Interpersonal communication
- Budget management
- Legislative Procedures
- Parliamentary procedure
- Ethical leadership
- Stakeholder management
Affiliations
The Soul of Philanthropy Cleveland
Haven Home Women’s Shelter
Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Past Member, National Social Action Commission, Chair, Social Action Committee, Nominating Committee Member, Teen Lift Committee, Domestic Violence Committee
Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation, Trustee, Treasurer
11th Congressional District Caucus Annual Labor Day and Festival, Executive Committee
Trustee – Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF), Trustee, Treasurer
Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, Executive Committee
Democratic National Conventions, Delegate (2012–2024)
National Congress of Black Women, Cleveland Chapter, Founding Member
Accomplishments
2025 Who's Who in Black Cleveland, Most Influential Honoree
2025 Black Women’s Political Action Committee, Public Service Award
2025 Alumnae Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, Soror of the Year
2025 Alpha Omega Foundation, Empower Our Families Honoree 2025 Excelsior Lodge No. 11, Square Work Award Positive Plus Community Supporter Award
2025 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Gamma Delta Zeta Chapter, The Power of SHE Social Justice Award
2025 New Directions, John Wolf Community Gratitude Award
2024 Women of God Ministries, Exceptional Woman of Excellence Award
2024 American Heart Association OH, Woman of IMPACT Honoree & Finalist
2024 Empower Me Conference: Cleveland Black Girl Rock Award
2024 Who’s Who in Black Cleveland, Game Changer Honoree
2023 Assembly of the Arts, Arts & Culture Honor Roll Award, 2023 Ashley Bell 5 Star Visionary Leadership Award, Beta Lambda Omega Chapter, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
2023 El Hasa Court #47, Outstanding Afro-American Woman of the Year Award
2023 Cleveland NAACP, Emerging Leader Award
Civic Impact Award
2023 Momentous Mentoring, Civic Impact Award
2023 Black Women in Faith + Business Excellence, Living Legacy Award
2023 Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,Dorothy I. Height Political Awareness & Involvement Award
2023 NOBLE Cleveland Chapter, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Community Engagement Award
2023 Black Girl Collective, 10 Black Dope Girls You Should Know Award
2023 Akron Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Change Agent Award
2023 Case Western Reserve University, School of Law, Black Law Students, Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Leader Award
2022 Zeta Omega Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Citizen of the Year
2016 Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Community Service Award
2013 Heineken USA Tastemaker Award 25 Most Influential Black Women in Cleveland
2012 Women of Color Foundation, Stephanie Tubbs Jones Courage Award
2002 Greater Cleveland Teacher’s Consortium Scholarship Recipient
Timeline
Councilwoman | Chair, Finance & Budgeting Committee
Cuyahoga County Council
11.2021 - Current
Minority Engagement Liaison
Ohio Democratic Party
07.2018 - 12.2019
Election Official
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
01.2017 - 11.2021
Immigration Consultant
Margaret Wong & Associates
04.2016 - 01.2017
Constituent Services Liaison & Regional Representative
Office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown
01.2006 - 04.2016
Educator & Coach
Cleveland & Shaker Heights Schools
08.2000 - 06.2012
Leadership Cleveland Class of 2025 - Leadership
Cleveland Leadership Center
Public Leadership Academy - Leadership
John Glenn College, The Ohio State University
Associate of Arts - Arts & Sciences
Cuyahoga Community College
FBI Citizens Academy - Graduate
Cleveland FBI
Certificate - Organizational Leadership
Cleveland State University
Master of Arts - Curriculum & Instruction, M.Ed
Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Chicago State University
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