Dr. Michele Scott Taylor has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of College Now Greater Cleveland, the largest nonprofit of its kind in the country which aims to increase postsecondary educational attainment. The organization serves nearly 33,000 individuals annually through career and postsecondary education and last year awarded more than $7 million in scholarships.

Taylor was promoted to College Now president in 2023 and will succeed Lee Friedman as CEO, who announced her decision to step down in May. Previously, Taylor served for 13 years as chief program officer, responsible for designing, implementing and evaluating programs and services. During her tenure, she expanded College Now’s geographic footprint to include advising services in Akron, Barberton, Lake County and Mansfield, and deepened partnerships with mission-aligned organizations. She also increased program revenues five-fold – from $2.1 million in 2010 to over $12 million in 2023. Taylor will officially assume the CEO role on January 1.

Michael Cogan, chair of College Now’s board of directors and president, Northern Trust, Ohio, said that the board was aware of Friedman’s plans for some time prior to May’s announcement and created a committee to plan for a smooth and effective transition.

“It was abundantly clear to us that Michele was the ideal choice to lead College Now into the future, building on our accomplishments and continuing our impactful work,” Cogan said. “She has played a crucial role in the organization’s growth over the past decade and is also highly respected and admired by the College Now team. We are excited to have Michele as our next CEO of College Now and believe her effectiveness as a leader will continue to advance our organization.”

Among Taylor’s recent responsibilities as president include shaping and refining a new strategic plan that is expected to bolster College Now’s impact on the community and further position the organization as a thought leader in and an advocate for education – locally, regionally and nationally.

“I am honored and humbled by the board’s confidence in me,” Taylor said. “I am energized by the opportunity to impact the lives of individuals, support the talent pipeline needs of our businesses and organizations, and significantly contribute to the economic vitality of our region through increased educational attainment. I am confident that, with the strong support from our dedicated staff and board, we will continue to expand opportunity, access and funding for higher education – for all!”

As a first-generation postsecondary student herself, Taylor received her doctorate in higher education from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008. She also holds a master’s degree in higher education from Kent State and two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Akron in sociology, political science and French.

Lee Friedman praised Taylor’s dedication and leadership. “Michele was my very first hire at College Now and it was gratifying to promote her last year to the position of president,” she said. “She has dedicated her career to helping students get the education they need to achieve their career goals. She has made invaluable contributions to College Now and provided critical support and advice to me over the past 14 years. I am confident she will lead College Now to serve the community in the best ways possible.”

Taylor currently serves as board chair of the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation; co-chair of the LEAD committee of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; as well as a board member of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture; Euclid Schools Foundation and the ACE Mentor Program.

She has received numerous recognitions including being honored as a 2024 “Woman of Note” by Crain’s Cleveland Business; Team NEO’s 2024 Inaugural Emerging Leader; Cleveland Magazine’s “One to Watch”; YWCA’s Woman of Professional Excellence; and Kaleidoscope’s 40/40, to name a few.

Of all her accomplishments, she is most proud of her three children: Paris, Peighton and Douglas.