Following nearly four decades of philanthropic board work with Civic Development Corporation of Ashtabula County (CDC), Stuart W. Cordell is retiring from the Board of Directors. Cordell was part of seven CDC campaigns during his 37-year tenure. “Stu” began his service with the Civic Development Corporation as Treasurer in 1984, became Secretary in 1989, and was elected as a Trustee in 1994, and served as CDC President from 2001 – 2007. Cordell’s family has been a notable and important part of CDC’s history from its inception in 1959. His grandfather, Theodore E. Warren, was a founding trustee of the organization and his uncle E. Terry Warren served on the CDC Board for over 20 years.
Professionally, Cordell is an attorney and partner at Warren and Young PLL, a boutique law firm in Ashtabula, founded by his grandfather in 1922. Cordell joined the firm in 1983, after spending two years practicing with Baker & Hostetler LLP in Cleveland. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business formation and transactions, non-profit organizations, real estate, estate planning and probate administration. A two-time Ohio Super Lawyer, Cordell represents a variety of businesses, non-profit organizations and foundations in the area. In addition to his legal work for clients, Cordell has served as an officer and on the boards of several entities in northeast Ohio as well as at the state level. He is a past president of the Ohio State Bar Foundation, a member of the Board of Governors of the Ohio State Bar Association, and a past director of the Ohio Grantmaker’s Forum (now known as Philanthropy Ohio).
Beyond the legal world, Cordell served on the Executive Committee of the Fund for Our Economic Future and on the board of Team Northeast Ohio. His civic involvement also includes stints as a board member or trustee with Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County, the Ashtabula County Convention Facilities Authority, the Robert S. Morrison Foundation, the Bill and Ruth Mary Service Foundation, and Andover Bank.
In addition to Cordell’s philanthropic and civic contributions, he is a highly respected pillar of Ashtabula County. He has been the recipient of the Kent State University at Ashtabula Area College Committee Inc. Community Service Award (2009), the Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County George H. Kaull Award for Entrepreneurship (2009) and was inducted into the Lakeside/Ashtabula/Harbor High School Hall of Fame in 2010. Dean and Chief Administrative Officer of Kent State University at Ashtabula, Dr. Susan Stocker said of Cordell, “I will always be grateful for Stu’s advocacy for higher education and our campus, in particular. He’s often provided leadership behind the scenes. He’s made an indelible mark in our community.”
“Stu’s mentorship, guidance, tenacity, sense of humor, historical perspective and most of all friendship will be missed as we wish him best of luck in his future philanthropic endeavors as he transitions off the Board.,” said Dr. Lori Herpen, CDC President. “His hard work has been an integral part in the successful completion of our campaigns over the years.”
Following a long stewardship of leadership and service, the Board of Directors and Officers and team of Civic Development Corporation will miss their colleague but thank him for an unmatched run of service and leadership to the organization. For more information on CDC Board of Directors and past and present campaign news visit: civicdevelopmentcorp.org
What Others Are Saying About Stuart Cordell
Trevor Sprague, Ashtabula County YMCA CEO “The first time I met Stu I thought he was intimidating, which is why I’ve never used any other law firm since I took over as CEO of the Y in 2012. Over time, as I got to know more about Stu, intimidation turned into utmost respect for someone that means business and gets things done. I have come to learn that Stu is not just charitable, not just caring, but that at his core he is genuine and passionate about serving others and seeing our community grow and thrive. Even more, he is humble and often avoids personal recognition for his service to this community which speaks volumes to me about his character. Stu’s work with the CDC has made an impact on thousands of lives just through the YMCA alone, not to mention all of the other great projects he’s been involved in with the CDC and the countless lives those projects have touched. I can’t imagine Stu retiring – he’s been a fixture and a rock since I arrived in Ashtabula. I’m sure he will stay involved somehow in our community and I can only hope I’m fortunate enough for the opportunity to keep him connected to the YMCA.”
Stephen Varkette, President and CEO of Andover Bank and Past CDC President “Throughout my years supporting and eventually becoming involved with the Civic Development Corporation of Ashtabula County, there has been one constant, Stuart Cordell. Stu has spent immeasurable hours ensuring that CDC not only exists, but that it thrives, drive by our ultimate mission of improving the quality of life in our community. I have been blessed to experience Stu’s altruistic efforts closely over the past few years and feel comfortable saying the organization would not exist today without his extraordinary efforts and leadership, mostly behind the scenes. Thank you, Stu, it has been my privilege to be associated with you and CDC over the years.”
Meeghan Humphrey, Ashtabula Arts Center Executive Director “The Ashtabula Arts Center has been the beneficiary of every CDC campaign since 1985 when Stuart Cordell became a trustee. Stuart has been a supporter of the Arts Center and an advocate for our growth for many years. In addition to his service on the CDC board, he and his wife Kim have supported the Arts Center as donors, hosted many beautiful Dining for the Arts events, and attended many fundraisers. I wish him the very best as he transitions to the next phase in life and look forward to his continued involvement with the Arts Center.”