The Cleveland Foundation Appoints Arielle Gurman to Lead Philanthropic Growth and Innovation

Gurman’s appointment represents an investment in a critical part of the foundation’s future: growing the philanthropic engine, partnerships and innovation needed to meet Cleveland’s changing needs. 

“Arielle is an extraordinary leader, and we're thrilled to welcome her home to Cleveland,” said Lillian Kuri, President and CEO of The Cleveland Foundation. “She brings exactly the vision and experience we need at a moment when philanthropy is expanding and evolving. As we look ahead to the foundation’s next chapter, Arielle will lead the growth and innovation required for philanthropy the next 100 years by unlocking new opportunities to meet the changing needs of our community.”

Gurman brings deep experience building philanthropic platforms, mobilizing capital and partnerships, and translating institutional strategy into measurable community impact. As Head of Grantmaking and Strategy for The BlackRock Foundation, she managed a global team of social impact leaders and led enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthened relationships with clients, policymakers, community partners and other key stakeholders.

As the founding Executive Director of BlackRock Future Builders, Gurman launched a $100 million initiative designed to connect 50,000 Americans with skilled trades career pathways. Previously, she led BlackRock’s Emergency Savings Initiative, a national public-private partnership that expanded access to savings for more than 22 million Americans and enabled nearly $8 billion in new savings. She also played a central role in establishing The BlackRock Foundation, including its governance structure and stewardship of the firm’s $550 million philanthropic contribution in 2020.

Earlier in her BlackRock tenure, Gurman served as Director of U.S. External Affairs, with responsibility spanning communications, public policy and corporate reputation. She has become a respected voice on economic mobility and financial security for low- to middle-income households, contributing to industry research and representing BlackRock in national forums. She began her career in media and communications before working in Investment Management at Goldman Sachs, and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

“I’ve spent my career working to expand economic opportunity for more people by bringing philanthropy, funding and partnerships together, and the opportunity to bring that experience home to Cleveland is incredibly meaningful,” said Arielle Gurman, incoming Chief Growth Officer of The Cleveland Foundation. “The Cleveland Foundation has more than a century of trust and deep relationships behind it. I’m excited to build on that extraordinary legacy and help the foundation grow and evolve in a way that creates new possibilities for Cleveland and its future.”

Gurman’s new role reflects the foundation’s ongoing evolution as it responds to Cleveland’s changing needs, grows new forms of philanthropic capital and partnerships and stewards its resources for long-term impact. As Chief Growth Officer, she will deepen the foundation’s connections with donors and community partners, positioning one of Cleveland’s most storied civic institutions to meet new opportunities and challenges.

With Gurman joining the leadership team, The Cleveland Foundation is creating more opportunities for donors, grantees, residents and partners to engage with the foundation, deepening existing relationships while building new ones. To learn more about the foundation, visit clevelandfoundation.org.

About the Cleveland Foundation

Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world’s first community foundation – and one of the largest today. Through the generosity of donors, the foundation improves the lives of residents of Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking and providing leadership on vital issues. Our vision is a vibrant Northeast Ohio where no Clevelander is left behind. For more information, visit ClevelandFoundation.org and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Media Contacts

Allison Baker, Cleveland Foundation
Email: abaker@clevefdn.org
Phone: (216) 615-7166

Lily Kane, BerlinRosen

Email: lily.kane@berlinrosen.com