Cleveland - Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish submitted nominations for the County’s historic Human Rights Commission to County Council for their consideration at today’s Council meeting.
Established in 2018, the Commission on Human Rights aims to promote diversity, inclusion and harmony through every facet of Cuyahoga County. The Commission will educate, hold community events, and give advice to the Cuyahoga County Council and Cuyahoga County Executive, and receive and resolve complaints filed under this title.
“The establishment of this commission is a great step forward in our work to make sure that everyone, no matter their race, religion, or gender identity, is treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “I am grateful to these highly-qualified commission members for volunteering their time in support of this crucial piece of legislation.”
The three nominations are:
• Kimberly G. Barnett Mills, Senior Attorney, Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
• Timothy J. Downing, Partner, Ulmer & Berne LLP
• Todd K. Masuda, Partner, Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP
Barnett Mills has a history in domestic relations, juvenile court custody and civil protection order matters. She has previously worked for the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office and the City of Cleveland Prosecutor’s Office.
Downing has helped companies resolve conflicts with customers and competitors and helped them develop and implement policies to attract superior employees for their organizations. He has a background in labor and employment law and co-chairs the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Ulmer & Berne.
Masuda has a focus on employment law, contracts, corporate and real estate law and has previously represented privately held companies and nonprofit organizations. He is also a Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee member through the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.
New members of the Human Rights Commission will serve a two-year term beginning March 1st, 2019.
Hear news updates at the top and bottom of the hour: wtam.com/listen