Garrett joins Columbus Urban League Leadership Team as Chief Operating Officer

Fifteen-year veteran executive Kesha Garrett is returning to the Columbus Urban League (CUL) leadership team as Chief Operating Officer overseeing the $27 million organization’s human resources, fiscal and technology functions.

“Kesha’s operational expertise will significantly advance our organization as we strive for even greater excellence in connecting investments to outcomes and systematically recruiting, training and retaining the best, brightest and most committed talent,” said Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO of CUL. “She also knows our work, as a prior eight-year member of our team. This means she can quickly cultivate and solidify internal and external collaborations that boost our effectiveness and relevance.”

CUL partnered with Broadview Talent Partners, a nationally recognized executive search firm specializing in diversity, equity and inclusion. Christie Angel, Managing Partner of the Midwest office, states, "Kesha possesses all of the must-haves to succeed in guiding the Columbus Urban League through the next phases of its lifecycle. We are confident she will successfully and appropriately elevate their internal processes to support the continued drive for racial equity and social justice in Columbus and beyond."

Garrett previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Besa Community, Inc. She also held senior manager roles at IKE Smart City and the Columbus Partnership. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ohio Dominican University in 2010 while working full time. Garrett will assume her post on December 4th.

About The Columbus Urban League

The 105-year-old Columbus Urban League (CUL) is an advocate and resource for Black and urban communities that is dedicated to growing wealth, education, earning power and small businesses while also supporting strong families. Driven to advance racial equity and social justice, CUL has distinguished itself as an effective organization in numerous ways, including as one of only ten organizations to be selected for funding by One Million Black Women and by earning ranking as one of the top five percent of all 93 National Urban League affiliates. For more information, visit cul.org.

For more information, contact Colin Baumgartner, The Collective Genius, 614-441-5576