Richard A. Shatten Professional Leadership Award
About Richard A. Shatten
Richard A. Shatten's twenty-year professional career in Cleveland encompassed experiences in the private and non-profit sectors, as well as in academia. Throughout that time, Richard helped to invent, and then demonstrate a set of skills that embodied the development of a new way of advancing bold ideas in our nation: the public-private partnership. He did so, very characteristically, behind the scenes. He knew that ultimate and sustained success of any program or any new idea, depended on an exciting and well executed launch that lay leaders from all sectors embraced from the beginning.
For 10 years, he served as president of Cleveland Tomorrow, a civic organization of corporate leaders. During his tenure, he led efforts that helped attract venture capital, incubate businesses, improve higher education, and renew neighborhoods. He had a unique ability to create results from an idea. He went on to teach at Case Western Reserve University and served as the executive director of the Center for Regional Economic Issues.
While Richard passed away in 2002 of a brain tumor, he leaves a lasting legacy: the concept of public-private partnerships. Richard understood that major projects require the skills, resources and commitment of government leaders, the public sector, and business leaders, the private sector. This understanding, and the relationships between foundations, government officials and business leaders, spurred an urban renewal in Cleveland that resulted in major development projects including Playhouse Square, Gateway and the Lakefront.
"Richard left his mark on Cleveland. The major projects this city undertook in the 80s and 90s were accomplished because of the quiet, persistent, optimistic leadership of Richard Shatten," said Joe Roman, president of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. "Cleveland misses him dearly, but he has taught some of today's leaders who now carry on his tradition of behind-the-scenes work that makes big projects happen."
About the award
Each year, the Richard A. Shatten Professional Leadership Award will recognize professional individuals who exhibit the same traits and passion for moving the region forward through public-private partnerships. Recipients reflect Richard's spirit through their work to enhance Cleveland's physical and human capital in imaginative ways. These endeavors are sure to carry their own legacies for years to come. The first Richard A. Shatten Professional Leadership Award was presented to Christopher Warren.
Criteria for Eligibility
The nominated individual should have:
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At least 10 years of experience serving as a key staff member in any public, civic, charitable, private or non-profit organization in Northeast Ohio;
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Significant experience staffing public-private partnership projects or initiatives designed to improve the vitality of Northeast Ohio from an economic, environmental, educational or social perspective;
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Demonstrated success in personally bridging the knowledge gap between respective private and public sectors on specific projects or issues;
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The ability to support and guide lay leadership in their efforts to advance major projects in the community and to provide collateral leadership in the same endeavors;
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Communication abilities that constantly enhance the best practices in public-private partnerships;
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A dedication to individual ethical responsibilities in the governmental and nonprofit sectors;
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A clear passion for Northeast Ohio;
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A desire to know as much as possible about every issue where they are professionally engaged; and
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A desire to teach and nurture others in the skills required to successfully lead public private partnerships.
Nomination Process
Individuals who meet the criteria for eligibility can be nominated using using this PDF form. Entry deadline is Friday, February 15, 2008.
A committee chosen by the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Richard Shatten Family Foundation will select an honoree from the nominated individuals. The selection committee will choose one recipient of the award each year..
The 2008 award will be given during the Greater Cleveland Partnership Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2008.
Award Recipients
2007 - Chris Warren: Christopher Warren was recognized for his dedication to the physical and economic development of Cleveland's neighborhoods and downtown. He has been an effective intermediary for the support of neighborhood development and the people who believe a strong downtown is critical to the future of the city and region. At the time of his nomination, he was president of ShoreBank Enterprise Group. He recently returned to public service as the first-ever Chief of Regional Development for the City of Cleveland.