The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
The City of Westlake is proud to announce that Mayor Dennis Clough has been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award by Leadership Ohio. This prestigious honor, announced by Leadership Ohio, recognizes Mayor Clough’s exceptional character, significant philanthropic contributions, and remarkable achievements throughout his public service career.
“I am humbled and appreciative of being honored by Leadership Ohio,” Mayor Clough said. “As an alumnus and former board member, I believe Leadership Ohio is one of the most prestigious and highly effective leadership programs an individual can participate in. This program fosters an environment for networking, collaboration, new partnerships, and individual growth.”
Mayor Clough has served as the mayor of Westlake since January 1986, showcasing more than three decades of dedicated leadership. His public service career includes roles as a member, vice president, and president of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (1999–2021), a member of the Westlake Board of Education (1984–1985), and a councilman for the City of Westlake (1982–1983). Before his political career, Mayor Clough worked as an internal revenue agent for the U.S. Treasury Department and held management and sales positions in the private sector.
The award was officially presented at the Leadership Ohio Impact Awards ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, during the Leadership Ohio Homecoming event at The Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, Ohio. This event celebrates the accomplishments of alumni who have made significant contributions to their communities and the state of Ohio.
The Leadership Ohio Impact Awards honor excellence in leadership across four categories: Community Impact, Visionary Leadership, Professional Excellence, and Distinguished Alumni. Mayor Clough’s recognition in the Distinguished Alumni category highlights his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others, both in his role as mayor and through his philanthropic efforts.
“Being recognized with this Distinguished Alumni Award would not have been possible without the help and support of so many others,” Mayor Clough added. “I would like to thank the citizens of Westlake, my administrative team, Westlake City Council, and, most importantly, my family for their support and assistance over the many years of public service that have enabled us to achieve success as a government by improving the quality of life for those we serve.”
Leadership Ohio is an eight-month program that brings together dynamic leaders from across the state for an intensive journey in leadership development. The program’s Homecoming event offers a platform for alumni to reconnect, celebrate their achievements, and continue their commitment to leadership in Ohio.
The City of Westlake congratulates Mayor Clough on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in leadership that this award represents.
For more information about the Leadership Ohio Impact Awards and Mayor Clough’s achievements, please visit Leadership Ohio’s website or contact the City of Westlake Communications Department using the information provided below.
About Leadership Ohio: Leadership Ohio is a premier leadership development program that selects 35 dynamic leaders from across the state each year. Through an intensive, MBA-like journey, participants gain insights into Ohio’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, fostering leadership skills that make a lasting impact in their communities.
