Valarie McCall facts for kids

Valarie McCall is a very important leader in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. She works as the Chief of Communications, Government & International Affairs for the city. She is well-known for being the youngest person ever to be the City Clerk and Clerk of Council in Cleveland's history.

Early Life in Cleveland

Valarie McCall was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She grew up in the Glenville neighborhood. Her grandmother raised her there.

When she was younger, Valarie dreamed of becoming a lawyer. She went to the Martin Luther King Law and Public Service Magnet High School. This school was in the Hough neighborhood.

Education and Learning

In 1995, Valarie McCall earned her first college degree. She received a Bachelor's of Art in social work from Cleveland State University. While studying, she worked at McDonald's to help pay for her classes.

She continued her education and, in 1997, earned a Master's in Public Administration (MPA). This degree helps people learn how to manage public services and government.

Later, in 2012, Valarie McCall received a special honor. She was given an Honorary Doctorate Degree. This means she was recognized for her great work in public service.

Valarie McCall's Career

Before working for the city, Ms. McCall helped people in need. She worked at the Templum House, which helps women who have been hurt. She also worked as a social worker for Cuyahoga County, helping children and families.

Starting in City Government

After buying a home in Cleveland, Valarie started going to community meetings. At one meeting, she met Frank G. Jackson, who was a Councilman at the time. He encouraged her to work at Midtown Cleveland Inc. This group helps develop the area between downtown Cleveland and University Circle.

Valarie McCall also worked as a region manager for the Cleveland Industrial Retention Initiative. This group helps keep businesses in Cleveland.

In 1999, former Cleveland mayor Michael White chose Valarie to lead the Enterprise Zone. Before this, she was the Director of the Empowerment Zone for the city's Department of Economic Development. In these roles, she managed a large budget. She also helped give money for job training and business loans in different neighborhoods.

Becoming City Clerk

In 2002, Valarie McCall made history. She became the youngest Clerk of Council in Cleveland's history. This role involves managing the official records and meetings of the city council.

Leading Government Affairs

In 2006, Valarie McCall became the first person to be named the Chief of Government & International Affairs for the City of Cleveland. In this important job, she works as the main link between the Mayor's office and other governments. This includes local, state, federal, and even international groups.

She also helps the Mayor choose people for different city boards and committees. Valarie represents the Mayor in many national organizations. These include groups like the United States Conference of Mayors. She also helps Mayor Jackson with his plans to help the Cleveland area grow.

Valarie McCall serves on the boards of several organizations. These include Opera Cleveland and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. She also represents the Mayor on boards like the Northeast Ohio Mayors & Managers Association.

Public Transportation and Events

Since 2006, Valarie McCall has been a board member of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The RTA manages public transportation like buses and trains in the Cleveland area.

In 2015, she was chosen to be the Chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Board of Directors. This shows her leadership in public transportation across the country.

Valarie McCall also played a big part in the 2016 Republican National Convention held in Cleveland. She was the Chair of the city's Special Events Committee for the convention. She was also a board member of Cleveland 2016 Inc., the group that hosted the event.

She was also the first African-American woman to be president of the Northeast Ohio Area Coordinating Agency (NOACA). This agency helps plan transportation and environmental projects in the region.

Valarie McCall also hosted a TV show called Government Affairs: A Closer Look. The show talked about important community issues in the Cleveland area.

In 2018, Valarie McCall decided not to run for a leadership position at the RTA. She felt there was too much "mistrust" among the board members. She believed it was important for the board and staff to trust each other.