Duane Thornton became President/Executive Director of The Presidents’ Council in November 2009. He brings with him a strong background in business management and his own entrepreneurial spirit that bodes well for the future of The Presidents’ Council, as it aggressively builds economic empowerment and advances African-American businesses throughout Northeast Ohio.

Duane’s vision and plan for The Presidents’ Council focuses on increasing membership for both members and associates, broadening the organization’s visibility, realizing organizational efficiencies, and demonstrating the value of The Presidents’ Council to all of its customers.

With more than a decade of experience managing operations in fields as diverse as marketing, real estate, banking, and business development, Duane’s leadership, experience, and entrepreneurial edge will help The Presidents’ Council achieve greater success.

Prior to joining The Presidents’ Council, Duane owned his own consulting company, Thornton Consulting, LLC, where he provided his clients with expert coaching and focused consulting at all organizational levels looking to set financial goals and make career transitions. 

While building his business, Duane was also helping others grow as the business development manager for the Consortium for African Organizations (CAAO) and Community Housing Solutions (CHS). For CAAO, Duane identified opportunities for growth and development, helping facilitate strategic planning sessions, create the final plan, and secure key relationships to increase sponsorship revenue. At CHS, Duane helped homeowners facing foreclosure work with lenders and government officials to explore their options while also working with the organization to improve its processes and efficiencies.

Before coming back to his native Cleveland, Duane spent the bulk of his professional career in Washington DC and Philadelphia working for Corus Home Realty as business development manager and branch director.  At Corus Home Realty, Duane increased sales by 300 percent in just two years, producing sales exceeding $3.6 million. Duane also worked as a marketing manager for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE0), developing marketing plans for the multi-product line nonprofit organization. 

Duane earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Virginia and his MBA at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He is also a member of many professional associations, including the American Marketing Association and National Black MBA Association, and is a licensed real estate sales person in several states.