What is the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) at UUCC?

The Leadership Development Committee (LDC) is one of two bodies elected by the Congregation at its Annual Meeting (the other being the Board of Trustees). There are six members of LDC, two Board representatives and four UUCC members. Two UUCC members are elected each year to serve a staggered 2-year term. You can contact the Leadership Development Committee at leadership.development@uucleveland.org. The LDC’s members are:

Becky Burns

Member, Leadership Development Committee
Term 2026-2028

Becky Burns joined UUCC in 2018 after moving from Memphis, Tennessee, to Shaker Heights to be closer to her daughter, Molly Watkins, her son-in-law, Andrew, ... Read More

Jean Ellsworth-Wolk

Member, Leadership Development Committee
Term 2025-2027

Jean Ellsworth-Wolk joined First Unitarian Church in 1990 after her interfaith marriage and the birth of her first child, Lauren. Like many people, she was ... Read More

Kathleen Zassick

Member, Leadership Development Committee
Term 2025-2027

Kathleen Zassick joined UUCC in 1994 after a friend introduced her to Unitarian Universalism. She was looking for a spiritual community that drew wisdom from ... Read More

Steve Sanford

Member, Leadership Development Committee
Term 2026-2028

Steve Sanford and his wife, Anne, joined First Unitarian Church of Cleveland in 1985 after moving to Ohio from Houston, where they had met while ... Read More

• 2 Board of Trustees liaisons for 2026-2027 will be chosen soon

What’s the role of the LDC?

• Connect with Committee Chairs & others regarding leadership candidates & needs;
• Develop and implement periodic leadership training opportunities, including linking to relevant UUA Regional workshops;
• Encourage participation in the UUA General Assembly and publicize availability of Congregation members’ access to the UUCC General Assembly Scholarship Fund;
• Annually recommend candidates for the Board of Trustees and Leadership Development Committee.

What does that mean for Committee Chairs?

LDC is here to support you, the leaders of our Congregation. We’re here to help you with tips for your
role. There are so many resources for you that can be found here: www.uua.org. Here are a few that
have been helpful to other leaders and may be worth your time to review:

Meeting Organization and Facilitation

Group Dynamics/ Challenges

The LDC meets monthly and is interested in hearing how we might help to address your needs and concerns. LDC members are in a position to help with meeting tips, a formal training on a topic, or just problem solving through a particular committee challenge.

We look forward to working with you and thank you for your leadership!
LDC Members