For Immediate Release
(Chardon, Ohio) June 8, 2005

Contact: Kimm Leininger, 440.285.8097

Geauga Community Impact Announces Keynote Speaker for Convention

David Abbott, executive director of The George Gund Foundation will be the keynote speaker for the Geauga Community Impact ~ Citizen’s Convention, which will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2005 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at West Geauga Middle School. Mr. Abbott’s discussion will focus on “The importance of community building in developing long term solutions to community needs.”

Abbott became executive director of The George Gund Foundation in 2003. Prior to joining the Foundation, he served as president of University Circle Incorporated, executive director of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and executive director of the Cleveland Bicentennial Commission. Abbott was also the Cuyahoga County administrator and, early in his career, a reporter for The Plain Dealer.

In addition to Mr. Abbott’s presentation, participants will have the opportunity to become familiar with the needs of the county from the recent health and human services study that was recently completed. Participants will also provide initial input into determining the priorities of the needs and creating a long-range vision for the health and human service system in Geauga County. Ruth Zollinger, Ph.D., vice chair of the project stated, “We are very pleased that Mr. Abbott has agreed to share with us his experience and knowledge on bringing a community together to solve problems locally.”

GCI is a collaborative initiative with The Cleveland Foundation’s Lake-Geauga Fund, Geauga County Department on Aging, Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, Geauga County Department of Job and Family Services, Geauga Family First Council and United Way Services of Geauga County.

Plan to attend the Citizen’s Convention. To make your reservation or for more information, please contact Kimm Leininger at 440-285-8097 or email to citizensimpact@hotmail.com.