The City Club of Cleveland has long been a part of the national conversation. “We’re a place where people come to test ideas,” says Dan Moulthrop, who has served as the City Club’s CEO since 2013. “We have this extraordinary power to elevate issues and help the community set an agenda.”
HUMAN TOUCH: Moulthrop served as a teacher in urban environments as well as a journalist for WCPN and WVIZ. “I’ve been able to get a chance to understand the challenges people are facing,” he says. “I’ve also been informed by my upbringing — my parents were very good about making sure my brothers and I understood how the world works.”
LEADERSHIP LESSONS: Moulthrop never set out to be a leader but sets an example that is equal parts opportunity and empathy. “Leadership is recognizing something has to be done. Whatever power I have I want to use it to elevate others around me in their own ways…to create more leaders who help people to better understand their neighbors.”
SECOND OPINIONS: Although freedom of speech extends to everyone, Moulthrop says the capacity to listen closely to those you disagree with has never been more important. “In this day and age it’s become much easier to live in an echo chamber,” he says. “The power of free speech is extraordinary when you think about it.”
LEGACY INSTITUTION: As it heads into its 107th year, the City Club remains on the cutting edge of important issues. “Much of what we do is informing people about civic participation, and we have to think carefully about which conversations we can catalyze. We have this megaphone — an ability to help our community develop a common language.”