Public and private sector advocate, Carolyn Coleman joins the National Civic League board. Carolyn Coleman brings over 25 years of experience as a leader and an advocate in the public and private sectors. Carolyn was elected to a three-year term during March’s board meeting. The National Civic League board of directors is made up of 24 civic leaders from around the U.S. and meets three times each year to help lead the 127-year-old organization.
Meet Carolyn
Carolyn currently serves as the executive director and CEO of the California League of Cities, the largest and oldest organization representing California’s cities and towns and their leaders. Under her leadership, Cal Cities advances policies to expand local control through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.
She joined Cal Cities in December 2016 after a decade with the National League of Cities (NLC) in Washington, D.C., as senior executive and director of federal advocacy. A national organization, NLC advances policies at the federal level that expand local control and provide resources for local programs. During her tenure at NLC, she oversaw the organization’s advocacy efforts and worked closely with city leaders from across the country and the 49 state municipal leagues to protect and promote local interests in matters before Congress, within the White House, and in the courts.
Prior to NLC, Coleman served as deputy mayor for the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, where she led the mayor’s initiatives involving public works, economic and community development, parks and recreation, and neighborhood services. She previously practiced law and held marketing leadership positions in the private sector. In addition to her professional endeavors, Coleman serves on the board of trustees of the University of Indianapolis and on the dean’s cabinet at the McGeorge School of Law. She also serves on the NLC and the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy boards of directors, as well as the Public Policy Institute of California’s Statewide Leadership Council.
Coleman holds a law degree from Indiana University and a degree in business administration from the University of Kansas.
Find out more information on all of our board members here.
