The board of trustees of the Akron Urban League announced Friday that it has appointed Sadie Winlock as president and chief executive officer following a national search.
Winlock “is known for her business acumen, organizational and people development and plan execution,” said Larry Chadwick, the board chair and interim president and CEO, in a news release. “We believe she will bring all of her talents and skills to the organization, driving the Akron Urban League into its future to ensure the empowerment of people to live a quality life.”
Winlock said the organization “should be a major catalyst for all programs and services that support individuals and families in the Greater Akron area.” She added that the Urban League’s funders “should feel confident that their financial support is serving the mission and vision they believe in.”
Winlock has held several senior executive leadership roles with Allstate Insurance Co.
After early retirement from Allstate, she developed a business consulting firm whose clients included the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Army National Guard and other federal agencies.
In her last role as chief operating officer at the YWCA Greater Cleveland, she introduced programs that increased participation from both clients and funders.
Winlock earned a bachelor’s in English from North Carolina Central University, an MBA from Myers University, and a doctorate in management from the University of Phoenix.
Last October, the board decided not to renew the contract of the previous president and CEO, Fred Wright, after four years during which the organization struggled to attract new funding.