CEO Boehnlein Departing in December

posted 9/21/23 -- Lorain County Community Action Agency announced that Jackie Boehnlein, president and chief executive officer (CEO), will be departing the Agency to pursue another opportunity.

Board President Gerald Pippens said Boehnlein will remain as CEO through December 15 to ensure a seamless transition.

“We thank Jackie for her leadership and for her deep commitment to the agency’s mission,” Pippens said. “Jackie helped transform the agency and we are in a strong position to serve and empower the residents of Lorain County now and into the future.”

Boehnlein has been CEO of LCCAA for 11 years and with the agency since 2007. She previously served as Director of Planning and Organizational Development and Chief of Staff before being named Interim CEO and then President and CEO.

Among her achievements while President and CEO, Boehnlein introduced the innovative internal referral program, Star Service, which enhanced communication between program staff, ensured timely responses to customers and simplified the application process for clients.

Her new position is with Step Forward, the Community Action Agency serving neighboring Cuyahoga County and the largest Community Action Agency in the state. She will be Vice President of Community Services providing strategic leadership and oversight for Step Forward’s personal development, professional development and Home Energy Assistance programs.

“When you work in mission-based organizations, you encounter like-hearted people,” Boehnlein said. “It is very rewarding. I want to thank the board of directors and all the caring and compassionate people at the agency. Their dedication is matched only by their talents.”

Boehnlein’s expertise extends to quality management and continuous improvement, evident through her roles as a Community Action Pathways peer reviewer, Academic Quality Improvement Program peer reviewer, and Ohio Partnership for Excellence peer reviewer. She holds certifications as a Quality Manager (ASQ-QM) with the American Society for Quality and as a Self-Management Group Performance Coach, focusing on maximizing the results of high-effort individuals and teams. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management both from Tiffin University, where she graduated with highest honors.

Step Forward is led by Jacklyn Chisholm, Ph.D. who looks forward to the value Boehnlein will add to her team in 2024.

“Her experience and commitment to the mission of community action will enable her to immediately contribute to the agency and those we serve,” Chisholm said. “I look forward to the positive impact she will bring in advancing our mission to empower individuals and strengthen our community.”

Step Forward has realigned roles at the vice president level. Douglass Bennett previously served as Vice President of Community Services and External Affairs. He will now focus on External Affairs only enabling him to further deepen connections with external partners, stakeholder and the community at large.

"We are excited about the positive impact this change will have on our organization and the communities we serve," Chisholm said.

“Over her eleven years as CEO, Jackie helped transform LCCAA,” Pippens said. “We wish her well as we work to identify her successor.”

“Working with everyone has been a privilege,” Boehnlein added. “I leave knowing that great things lie ahead for the agency.”