The YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board of Directors at its August 1, 2024, meeting elected LaRese Purnell as chair. He will serve a two-year term. Purnell replaces 2022-2024 chair Michael Dostal, who will remain on the board.
Purnell’s connection to the YMCA runs deep and is profoundly personal. Growing up in inner-city Cleveland, Purnell spent much of his childhood and adolescence at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland’s Prospect Street branch. He credits the YMCA with saving his life by providing him with healthy, safe, and productive activities that kept him away from trouble. The YMCA was not just a place for recreation; it was a haven where Purnell found mentors and saw successful individuals he wanted to emulate. The positive influence of the YMCA during these formative years has stayed with Purnell, fueling his passion for giving back to the organization that played such a pivotal role in his life.
“LaRese’s deep personal connection to the YMCA, coupled with his extensive experience in business and finance, makes him an exceptional leader for our Board,” said Timothy Hilk, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “His journey with the Y began as a young boy at our Prospect Street branch, and it’s incredibly inspiring to see him now guiding the very organization that played such a pivotal role in his life. We are confident that under his leadership, our Y will continue to thrive and expand its positive impact on our community.”
Purnell brings to the YMCA a wealth of experience and expertise in business management, tax, and finance. He is a seasoned leader who has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive strategic initiatives and foster financial growth. As the co-owner and Managing Partner of CLE Consulting Firm, an Accounting, Tax, and Payroll company based in downtown Cleveland, he has established himself as a formidable force in the business community, blending instinct and intellect to navigate complex financial landscapes.
In addition to his professional achievements, Purnell is deeply committed to the community and its residents. His involvement in various organizations speaks to his passion for service. In addition to his volunteer leadership at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, he also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, President of the Cleveland Public Library Foundation, National Treasurer of 100BMOA, Inc., StepForward, and as the Treasurer of USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation further underscore his dedication to the betterment of our community.
Purnell's academic background includes an MBA in Finance from the University of Toledo, a Master’s in Accountancy in Corporate Taxation from John Carroll University. His commitment to lifelong learning is matched by his dedication to financial literacy, as evidenced by his authorship of Financial Foundations, Building Financial Freedom One Tool at a Time. He has traveled to numerous cities across the country to teach financial literacy and has been featured in various media outlets discussing financial matters.
Outside of his professional and community endeavors, Purnell enjoys spending time with his wife RaShaunda, children, Gaven, Gabbi and Maceo, engaging in sports, and traveling.