Our Legacy

The Foundation for a Stronger Community

We are the only Black Federated human service organization in the state of Ohio. Since 1981, we have continued to blaze the trail in transformative impact for the people of Northeast Ohio.

Someone typing on a laptop
our goal

Equipping non-profits to better serve.

We have an incredible track record of actively engaging agency partners to help them become more sustainable. With our guidance, they operate more efficiently, and according to clearly defined values to maximize resources and, ultimately, community impact. For decades, we have collaborated towards achieving excellence in operations, finance, governance, talent, and programming to best serve the community.

Championing Education

We have been instrumental in bridging educational gaps through scholarships, literacy programs, and support for educational institutions. Our efforts have lit the spark of knowledge in countless young minds, providing them with the tools to build their future and, in turn, uplift the community.

empowering cle

Our Pillars: A Timeline of Growth and Impact

Two Black children at a racket ball court
Building Communities

Since our inception, we have been dedicated to empowering local service agencies.

Economic Development

Through our support, we have driven positive change in the Greater Cleveland community.

Community Enrichment

We continue to expand our impact by providing financial assistance to grassroots organizations.

Advocacy and Social Justice

Through our programs, we have transformed the lives of individuals and families in need.

A young Black woman laughing against a bright blue background
MEET THE TEAm

Our People

Growth-oriented experts serving for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Cecil J. Lipscomb, CNM
Cecil J. Lipscomb, CNM
President & CEO

Cecil Lipscomb is Executive Director of the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Inc. He received his undergraduate degree from Ursuline College, his MBA from Weatherhead School of Management, and certificate of nonprofit management from Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Case Western Reserve University.

Mr. Lipscomb recently completed 10 years of service as a board member for The Center for Community Solutions. This organization is the premier statewide resource for providing objective research, analysis and advocacy to improve the health, social and economic conditions of all Ohioans, with a focus on Northeast Ohio. In 2016, Mr. Lipscomb was appointed to the Board of Eliza Bryant Village, the oldest continually operating African American long-term care facility in the United States. He also serves as 2nd VP of the Board for Eliza Bryant Village. He assumed the leadership post at UBF in 2011, one of Cleveland’s premier grant funders. Prior to this, Mr. Lipscomb was Senior Director of Institutes at Cleveland Clinic and worked as Director of Fundraising for Case Western Reserve University’s School of Engineering. Before 2004, he worked in commercial and government sales, management and marketing in the telecommunications sector for 10 years with two Fortune 100 companies who eventually merged to create Verizon.

Mr. Lipscomb is married to his high school sweetheart Erica Lipscomb. They have three beautiful daughters, Sydney, Lauren and Cierra.

Adrianne Sims
Adrianne Sims
Development Coordinator

Adrianne Sims, UBF’s Development Coordinator, is a seasoned corporate professional who has an established career by building personal relationships with all levels of management within Cleveland and the surrounding communities. This personal touch has assisted Adrianne in securing much needed funds to support UBF’s mission, and existing and future programs. Everyone is given the opportunity to become a Philanthropist.

Celeste Terry, MSSA
Celeste Terry, MSSA
Grants Manager

Celeste E. Terry, MSSA - Grant Manager and Cohort Director has over 30+ years in nonprofit management elevating organizations with funding and training to build capacity and sustainability.

Charron Leeper *
Charron Leeper *
Creative Director

Charron Leeper, a seasoned creative entrepreneur, brings over 15 years of expertise in design, modeling, and eight years in creative direction. As the lead consultant, Creative Director, and CEO of Agency Thirty-Three, she spearheaded creative projects like FutureLAND, contributing to Cleveland's creative landscape. Additionally, Charron is the founder and Creative Director of Perfect Pineapple®, a notable brand for head wraps and hair accessories since 2018. Charron is the adjunct Creative Director for the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBF).

Sabrina Brown *
Sabrina Brown *
Project Coordinator

Sabrina Brown is a consultant currently working as UBF’s Project Coordinator, with a knack for keeping teams on track and projects running smoothly. Her expertise lies in effective communication and problem-solving, ensuring that project goals are met on time and within budget. Sabrina thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys bringing people together to achieve success.

Twyla Turner
Twyla Turner
Director of Program Resources

Twyla N. Turner is a native of Cleveland and has over 15 years of experience creating profitable growth and impact opportunities in the region. Twyla is a key member of the leadership team as the Director of Program Resources at the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBF). Her role is critical in ensuring effective planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of the organization's program services and operations.

Venica Hearst
Venica Hearst
Executive Assistant

Venica A. Hearst, Executive Assistant at The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, is a seasoned professional specializing in resource management, business, and office development. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector and extensive outreach efforts in the Greater Cleveland Area, Venica is dedicated to advancing the organization's mission and serving the community.

Victoria Willson
Victoria Willson
Accountant (Adjunct)

Victoria Willson has worked in the accounting industry for 26 years, gaining experience in financial services, auditing and compliance. In addition to providing accounting services for United Black Fund, Victoria also serves as the Program Director of MORTAR Cleveland, an entrepreneurial program designed to assist minorities in starting or scaling their business.

* Denotes Consultant

Our Board

Leaders dedicated to community impact.

Lynn Johnson
Lynn Johnson
Board Chair
Sharron Murphy-Williams
Sharron Murphy-Williams
Board Vice Chair
Grady Burrows
Grady Burrows
Secretary
Amos Mahsua
Amos Mahsua
Treasurer
John Gerak, Atty.
John Gerak, Atty.
Fundraising Chair
LaToya Smith
LaToya Smith
Human Resources Committee Chair
Aaron O'Brien
Aaron O'Brien
Andrew Newsome
Andrew Newsome
Cheryl Cooper-Perez
Cheryl Cooper-Perez
Kent Whitley
Kent Whitley
Nina M. Lewis
Nina M. Lewis
Ramona Lowery-Ferrell
Ramona Lowery-Ferrell
Regenia G. Lane
Regenia G. Lane
Roderick H. Adams, Jr.
Roderick H. Adams, Jr.
Shelley A. Tobias
Shelley A. Tobias
Tanya Jones
Tanya Jones
Tenora Edwards
Tenora Edwards
Tiarrah Kent
Tiarrah Kent
Valissa Turner-Howard
Valissa Turner-Howard
Vicki Dansby
Vicki Dansby
join us

Open Positions

Opportunities to make meaningful change happen.

No Open Positions

There are curently no available positions at the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland. Please check back soon and keep an eye on our social media!

together for greater impact

The Change We Seek, Starts With You.

We continue to see the power of collaboration and its positive influence on lives in the Black community. Your support makes a difference.