OUR TEAM

Meet Our Executive Director

Meredith Whitehead

Meredith Whitehead is a community development leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing economic mobility and equitable investment. As founder and CEO of The Cedric Group, she has led national and regional initiatives that strengthen local capacity and create pathways to opportunity. A proud Bearcat and Leadership Ohio alum, Meredith is passionate about helping communities and the people within them thrive. When she’s not working, She’s usually with her dog and only child, Sancho.

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Hillary Copsey Canan

    PRESIDENT

    Bio coming soon!

  • Sarah Allan

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Sarah and her family have lived in Norwood since 2006 when she and her husband bought the old Abrams Brake Shop on Mills Avenue and turned it into their home. While Sarah's professional role has always been working in the Community and Economic Development fields (she is currently the Director of Cincinnati State's Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses Program), she is thrilled to be able to use some of these skills in Norwood, the City she calls home. One of her favorite things about Norwood is that it's the most densely populated area in the entire Cincinnati region which lends itself to more walkability, energy, and potential to support lots of small locally-owned businesses!

  • Angela Gray-Girton

    Secretary

    Angela Gray-Girton has lived in Norwood since 2012. Angela currently serves as the Director of Eigel Center for Community-Engaged Learning at Xavier University. Together with her husband, Jeff, and daughter, Audrey, she loves getting to know her wonderful Norwood neighbors.

  • Tim Kling

    TREASURER

    Tim Kling has worked for United Dairy Farmers in Norwood for the past 14 years, serving as Director of Real Estate & Development, expanding their vast portfolio of stores throughout the Tri-State. Prior to UDF, Tim spent 14 years with Fifth Third Bank, working in a similar role, managing the bank’s growth in six Midwest Affiliate Markets. He’s also been actively involved in the Norwood Chamber of Commerce, recently serving four years as President. Tim grew up in another great Cincinnati neighborhood, North College Hill, and now resides in Liberty Township with his wife and three sons.

MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS

  • Ron Murphy

    A lifelong Norwood resident, Ronald Murphy is deeply committed to serving the city and its people. With extensive experience in public relations, event planning, and nonprofit fundraising, he has been actively involved with Woven Oak, the Norwood Drug Coalition, Whiz Kids, and the Norwood Police Association. Ron’s leadership, coalition-building, and teamwork skills have helped drive meaningful initiatives that benefit Norwood residents.

  • Paul Mason

    Paul Mason has been a proud Norwood resident for over 20 years and is passionate about building a stronger, more connected community. As a self-employed martial arts and self-defense instructor, he brings leadership, discipline, and teamwork to everything he does.

    Paul has served on the Norwood Climate Advisory Group and participated in diversity and inclusion initiatives, using his communication skills to foster dialogue and understanding. His background in public speaking, technology, and social media makes him a valuable advocate for community growth.

  • Alisha Loch

    A stay-at-home mom to three small girls, Alisha Loch is passionate about contributing to Norwood to make the community everything it can be now and for future generations. She loves community events, parks, porches, and anything that increases the small-town feel of Norwood.

  • Melanie Mize

    Melanie Mize is a lifelong Norwood resident. Many generations of her family, on both her mother’s and father’s sides, have lived, worked, and gone to school in Norwood. That tradition continues. Melanie went to Norwood Schools, and proudly sends her children there today. She lives on Floral Avenue. In 2014 she located her law practice to the old train depot on Montgomery Road. She has a deep commitment to the City of Norwood and is excited to be working with Norwood Together.

MEET OUR STAFF MEMBERS

  • 2025 Interns

    From left to right:

    Kayra Koprulu | U.C. Co-op student

    Kayra is a third year Urban Planning student at UC, and is doing her co-op with Norwood Together doing a market analysis of the Worth Avenue business district. In this role, she'll be researching property ownership & redevelopment opportunities, engaging with the community, and exploring housing and economic development potential.

    Yulissa Bonilla Guachata | XU Intern

    Yulissa is a Junior Criminal Justice with a minor in Criminalisitcs at Xavier University. She is going to be managing Norwood Together’s social media.

    Riley Mills | XU Intern

    Riley is a first year cybersecurity student at Xavier with a passion for community engagement, leadership and service. She will be assisting with the logistics of community events, and helping to reorganize programs to strengthen local impact.

The Norwood Together Team