Frank D. Whitfield is a visionary leader, strategist, and community cultivator with a deep commitment to public service, innovation, and economic transformation. He made history as the first elected African American and independent Mayor of Elyria, Ohio, where he served from January 2020 to December 2023, leading with transparency, collaboration, and a people-first approach.
During his administration, Whitfield focused on transforming Elyria’s economy, community, and culture by mobilizing residents, businesses, and institutions around a shared vision for progress. His leadership was shaped by deep listening, grassroots engagement, and a steadfast belief that meaningful change comes through unity and action.
Before his mayoral tenure, Frank was the youngest President and CEO in the history of the Lorain County Urban League. There, he led a team that helped over 2,000 individuals gain employment, prepared over 500 youth for college and careers, and supported the growth of more than 25 small businesses, fueling entrepreneurship and economic inclusion across the region.
Frank’s commitment to leadership development and community advancement is longstanding. As a Foundation Fellow with the Nord Family Foundation, he designed a leadership program that equipped nonprofit leaders with business skills and capacity-building tools. He has also served as Chair of the Lorain County Children Services Board, President of Elyria Sunrise Rotary, and Chair of MOVE Lorain County, a collaborative focused on mobility and opportunity.
During his administration, Whitfield focused on transforming Elyria’s economy, community, and culture by mobilizing residents, businesses, and institutions around a shared vision for progress. His leadership was shaped by deep listening, grassroots engagement, and a steadfast belief that meaningful change comes through unity and action.
Before his mayoral tenure, Frank was the youngest President and CEO in the history of the Lorain County Urban League. There, he led a team that helped over 2,000 individuals gain employment, prepared over 500 youth for college and careers, and supported the growth of more than 25 small businesses, fueling entrepreneurship and economic inclusion across the region.
Frank’s commitment to leadership development and community advancement is longstanding. As a Foundation Fellow with the Nord Family Foundation, he designed a leadership program that equipped nonprofit leaders with business skills and capacity-building tools. He has also served as Chair of the Lorain County Children Services Board, President of Elyria Sunrise Rotary, and Chair of MOVE Lorain County, a collaborative focused on mobility and opportunity.
His early work as a digital technology instructor at Lorain County Community College, and as a grassroots organizer and program manager for organizations like Save Our Children and the Family Garden Initiative, reflect his lifelong dedication to empowerment, equity, and innovation.
His work bridges sectors of government, nonprofit, business, and technology, with a common purpose: to uplift communities and unlock human potential.
He often shares the African proverb that guides his leadership:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Now based in Atlanta, Frank is building new pathways for leadership, entrepreneurship, and systems change equipping others to lead boldly and create communities rooted in justice, dignity, and shared opportunity.
His work bridges sectors of government, nonprofit, business, and technology, with a common purpose: to uplift communities and unlock human potential.
He often shares the African proverb that guides his leadership:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Now based in Atlanta, Frank is building new pathways for leadership, entrepreneurship, and systems change equipping others to lead boldly and create communities rooted in justice, dignity, and shared opportunity.
Previous EXPERIENCE & ACCOMPLISHMENTSFrank Whitfield earned his Masters of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management with his Master of Business Administration (2019) after completing the Weatherhead Executive Coaching Certificate Program (2015). Prior to that, he earned his B.A. in Nonprofit Administration and Urban Studies (2012) from Cleveland State University, and his A.A. in Nonprofit Administration from Lorain County Community College (2010); he is a proud Elyria High School graduate.
His professional leadership includes, but is not limited to:
His servant leadership includes, but is not limited to:
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Paid for by the Citizens to Elect Frank Whitfield
337 Hamilton Circle,
Elyria, Ohio 44035
337 Hamilton Circle,
Elyria, Ohio 44035