Plexus Hires First Executive Director

After 13 years of volunteer board members' leadership, the hiring of the first-ever executive director will strongly advance the Plexus mission, further implement and expand our current strategic priorities, and take both organizations into a new era of growth. Plexus welcomes Amanda Cole, a proven nonprofit driver who is committed to Plexus’ core values and has the capacity to strategically guide us forward. We are confident she will develop rich and meaningful relationships with members, partners, and the broader LGBTQ and Allied communities of Northeast Ohio.

 Ms. Cole’s background uniquely positions her to assume this post. With significant experience in management, fundraising, communications, and social justice work, Cole will advance our current initiatives and guide future contributions to the business community. While being a newer face in the area, Cole believes this can be leveraged as a strength as the new Director.  “I have great confidence that through Plexus members and our dedicated Board, my connection to the local business and LGBTQ community leadership will be accomplished with ease and speed. I’m ready to learn, partner, and expand networks so that Plexus and our partners can support LGBTQ and Allied businesses, and build awareness to boost inclusion.”

 We have been busy with training, partner introductions, and other meetings as Amanda’s onboarding continues but her full time start will be early May  given her commitment to moCa’s 50th Anniversary gala.

Amanda lives in Kent with her wife, Erin, their son, and Amanda's father-in-love. She enjoys art, dancing, swimming, and being left alone with a good book. Currently, her favorite past time is surviving the commute listening to podcasts and audio books. Her top picks are Story Corps OutLoud (she cautions that listeners should be careful while driving because it has all the feels), the Nancy podcast, Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History and the NY Times The Daily.