Staff

Stephanie joined the City Club team in 2021 as Sous Chef, bringing with her nine years of culinary and catering experience. She is a Tri-C alum and is currently in pursuit of her bachelor’s degree at Cleveland State University, focusing on clinical psychology and social science. Stephanie enjoys reading science journals, and she is a podcast enthusiast and portrait artist in her free time.

Noelle joined the City Club team as Director of Advancement in 2016. Previously she was principal of her own consulting firm working with non-profits that included the Cleveland Foundation, the Cleveland International Film Festival, Civic Commons, and the City Club, to name a few. She also served as Corporate Relations Director at ideastream; Director of Marketing & Community Relations at MOCA; and campaign manager for two successful countywide campaigns. In 2011, she launched Edible Cleveland, an award-winning quarterly magazine covering the people and stories of Northeast Ohio’s local food scene. Noelle has a B.A in American Studies with a concentration in Media and the Arts from Yale University. She lives in Cleveland Heights with her husband and two kids.

Cynthia Connolly joined the City Club in 2021. She has more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, most recently with Policy Matters Ohio, where she worked since 2015. Prior to that, she worked at Ohio City Incorporated and as a Graduate Researcher in nonprofit program evaluation at the Center for Nonprofit Policy & Practice at Cleveland State University, where she earned a Master of Public Administration degree. She received a BA in American Culture with a focus in Native American Studies from the University of Michigan. A citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians located in Northern Michigan, she began her civic work at an early age, serving as a tribal representative at the National Congress of American Indians located in Washington DC, which advocates for government policies to help Indigenous people. Today, she serves on the Executive Board for the Lake Erie Native American Council and teaches the Native American Studies course at Kent State University. She serves on the boards of University Settlement in Cleveland’s Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy in Washington, DC. In 2021, Cynthia was named a Native American Top 40 Under 40 by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise and Development; as well as a 2021 Crain's Cleveland Business 40 Under Forty awardee.

Adam joined the City Club team as Executive Chef in May 2012. With degrees in both culinary arts and food service management from Johnson & Wales University, Adam brings flair to the table. His enjoyment of multiple food styles—his favorite is fusion cuisine—provides great variety to the City Club’s offerings. Adam aspires to be a professional food writer and photographer.

LaTasha joined the City Club team in 2014. In her role as Catering Sales and Banquet Manager, she works closely with the rest of the catering team to ensure daily events at the City Club — from Friday forums to breakfasts and weddings — run smoothly.

Bliss joined the City Club team as Content Coordinator in 2017. She is a Cleveland native and holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree from Bowling Green State University, as well as a Master's in Public Relations from Kent State University. Previously, Bliss has been a news producer at FOX 8 News and has been part of the news teams of various outlets and publications throughout Ohio. She is also an avid track cyclist and serves as a youth coach and the Director of Outreach at the Cleveland Velodrome.

Maria joined the City Club team in 2008. As the Digital Content Manager, she ensures quality production and distribution of City Club content through multiple outlets, including social media channels. She works closely with clients to execute technical logistics for private events, both virtual and in-person. Maria is a graduate of Bowling Green State University’s School of Media and Communication and holds an M.Ed. degree from Kent State University. She lives in Lakewood with her husband and two children.

Stacy joined the City Club team in 2022. In her role as Customer Experience Manager, she welcomes City Club members, guests, speakers, and community partners at forums and ensures they have a positive experience. She is a Cleveland native and attended Indiana Wesleyan University. Prior to joining the City Club, Stacy spent several years running her cleaning company and publishing her children's book. She enjoys spending time with her family and skating.

Julie joined the City Club in 2012 and is responsible for the financial operations of the City Club and the City Club Forum Foundation. Previously, Julie was Chief Operating and Financial Officer at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs and also managed her own CPA/Consulting firm focused on small businesses and nonprofit organizations. She resides in Westlake with her husband and daughter and has two adult sons. Julie attended John Carroll University. She enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis, volunteering at school, watching her daughter's soccer, Cleveland sports, and gardening.

Dan was appointed to the City Club's helm in 2013, after many years as a member, volunteer, and frequent forum moderator. Prior to joining the City Club he was co-founder of The Civic Commons, a pioneer in the field of social media for civic good. Dan is also the former host of 90.3 WCPN's Sound of Ideas and co-author, with Dave Eggers and Ninive Calegari, of the best selling book Teachers Have it Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America's Teachers (The New Press, 2005), which provided the basis for the 2011 documentary American Teacher. He's an award winning journalist, a former high school teacher and a graduate of UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism. He lives in Shaker Heights with his wife and three children. His favorite forum changes almost monthly.

Ariana joined the City Club in March 2023 as the Educational Engagement Manager. Prior to joining the City Club, Ariana worked as an educator for 10 years, launched her own nonprofit (MOTIVATE), and worked at Young Entrepreneur Institute coordinating programs and events for youth and educators in NE Ohio. She is a Shaker Heights native and attended John Carroll University. Ariana enjoys being able to teach and connect with students and is looking forward to finding intentional ways to engage with students and educators. She is also a part of Cleveland Leadership Center's Bridge Builders class of 2023.