Nov 13, 2025
Today, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) announces the appointment of Shanelle Smith Whigham as the newest member to their Board of Trustees. Ms. Smith Whigham was sworn into service by Janet E. Burney, GCRTA Deputy General Manager of Legal Affairs inside GCRTA’s Main Office Building at 1240 W.6th St., Cleveland, Ohio 44113.
Ms. Smith Whigham’s appointment was made by Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, as she replaces the late Trustee and Pastor Emeritus, Reverend Dr. Charles P. Lucas, Jr. of St. James AME Church. Ms. Smith Whigham will serve out the remainder of Reverend Lucas's term, ending in March 2027.
"I am delighted to welcome Ms. Smith Whigham to the GCRTA Board," said GCRTA Board President and Mayor of Bay Village, Paul A. Koomar. “Her expertise in strategic planning and community engagement will be beneficial to our collective efforts and future success.”
“GCRTA welcomes the appointment of Ms. Shanelle Smith Whigham to our Board of Trustees. We appreciate the dedication of former Trustee Rev. Charles P. Lucas and anticipate that the contributions of Ms. Smith Whigham will continue to provide sound perspectives rooted in customer experience, as we work to strengthen the future of GCRTA," said GCRTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, India L. Birdsong Terry.
About the Board Appointee:
Shanelle Smith Whigham currently serves as Senior Vice President and Director, Community Relations and Corporate Initiatives at KeyBank. She is responsible for developing and executing Key’s national and local community engagement strategy, focusing on supporting under-resourced communities and forming strategic partnerships.
An active member of the community, Ms. Smith Whigham serves as the Vice Chair of the Assembly for the Arts and holds board positions with various organizations.
Ms. Smith Whigham holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science, and an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.