Liz pours her heart and "sole" into Girls With Sole-a local non-profit with a mission to empower girls who have experienced any kind of abuse through free fitness and wellness programs. Liz is an incredible person who changes the lives of girls all over NEO, and inspires adults like me every single day.

Noelle Celeste--publisher, Edible Cleveland; co-founder, Cleveland Colectivo; co-founder, The Civic Commons

I've known Noelle as a colleague and friend since my first days in town, in 2005. I'm seriously biased in favor of her. But seriously, who else is launching a magazine to celebrate the local food industry in her spare time while she works a crazy part time job and raises a teenage daughter and a nine-month old?

Amy Hanauer, Exexutive Director of Policy Matters Ohio

Amy founded and created this progressive public policy think tank ten years ago. Under her leadership, Policy Matters Ohio has grown into a powerful voice in many state policy debates and issues. Their well-researched reports have never been found to contain an error, according to numerous "Politifact" investigations. Amy and Policy Matters clearly get stuff done --not just in Northeast Ohio but throughout the state.

Megan Meister, the program director at the Stockyard, Clark Fulton, Brooklyn Centre office

Megan has been in Cleveland's community development world for several years and has been the organizer/leader of countless programs, social and otherwise, that help residents on the near west side. Their office services 30,000 residents and in the past Megan has worked in other surrounding neighborhoods. As my colleague, she works her tail off. Every minute is spent in an effort to do right by her employees and the community. She is the epitome of "getting stuff done." -Angela Shuckahosee (Thanks, Angie!)

Carlton is co-founder of Tunnel Vision Hoops LLC, founder of the Bioneers Cleveland’s Fast Track Civic Minded Project Accelerator, Local Food 365 Vacant Land Reuse, and We Dig the City Organic Backyard Raised-bed Gardens (now a division of Tunnel Vision Hoops). He volunteers for the international aid organization Reach the Children and Eco-Tuesday Cleveland.

John Farina

Here are just a few items that I can name about John's many Pro-Cleveland facets. This man keeps Cleveland alive with his passion, and he's not even a native (he hails from Long Island, NY). He's the Chair of the board of SPACES art gallery, Director of Development & External Affairs at the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, Member of the Advisory Board at the Cleveland Artists Foundation, Vice President and PAC Chair of the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats, Concierge for the Moguls at the Cleveland International Film Festival, and... that's just what he's doing today. How many similar jobs do you do in one day?

I've never met another person who is more involved in Cleveland's betterment. He host's parties for the Print Club of Cleveland in his home, volunteers his precious time for PRIDE, Ingenuity, Dancin', and just about any other benefit you can imagine. Heck, if it's a significant event happening in Cleveland, you can bet that he's not just attending, but has donated some time to planning and improving the event and augmenting attendance with his wide-ranging influence.

You asked about the "Top Doers in Cleveland." That list most definitely should be topped by John Farina. Even if people disagree with his methods, they will all continue to benefit from his drive to make Cleveland a great place to live, and that's why I suggest him for this deserved honor. (Signed - John Coyne, someone who worked as his assistant 5 years ago, but never felt like killing him! Rather, I praise him for helping me and all other Clevelanders to continue to make this an even better place to live.)

In addition to creating Community Greenhouse Partners out of gumption, a dream, and a lot of elbow grease, Tim has been a formidable leader in the local Occupy movement.

Betsie Norris - Founder and Executive Director of Adoption Network Cleveland

Betsie took her own journey and transformed it into a much needed service for others. 20+ years later, she is finding homes for waiting children, leading state advocacy efforts and using cutting edge best practice strategies that other states are following.

Malik Wayne Moore, Downtown YMCA Branch Director, Director of Community Youth Services, YMCA of Greater Cleveland

The Community Youth Services branch brings teen programs to communities by working with schools, churches and other community-based organizations.

Marie Kittredge, Executive Director of Slavic Village Development

Slavic Village is a vibrant neighborhood in Cleveland that continues to fight through tough economic times with extraordinary perseverance. Marie is the valiant leader of the community development corporation's efforts. Innovation and creativity are bringing this neighborhood back from the foreclosure crisis that shook it. One of these efforts worth noting as a Velodrome! http://clevelandvelodrome.org/

I met Phil a year and a half ago. He approaches community organizing as if it's a military campaign. And he's winning.

Valerie Salstrom (Cleveland, OH):

One of America's busiest Lindy and Balboa teachers, Valerie has a reputation for her finesse on the dance floor. She emphasizes musicality and connection regardless of the style of swing. Since 2002 Valerie has taken home the 2003 National Jitterbug Championships (NJC) Grand Slam Championship, became both the 2004 NJC Balboa Champions and the 2004 American Lindy Hop Championships (ALHC) American Showcase Champions competition.

Valerie is the organizer of the 'All Balboa Weekend' held annually in her home town of Cleveland. This Weekend event first started in 2001 and was the first major dance camp dedicated solely to Balboa. It features the American Classic Balboa Championships (ACBC), one of the nations most respected and sought after Balboa competitions. www.AllBalboa.com.

Valerie also played a major role in organizing (and participating in) the Guinness World Record breaking 'Heart Health Hop' event sponsored by St. Joseph Aspirin, which broke the record for the 'Longest Dance Party'. From July 29-31 (2003), 41 participants danced at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, for 52 hours and 3 minutes...smashing the old record! www.guinessworldrecords.com (search "longest dance party")

Valerie is enthusiastic about passing on her love and passion for dance and she brings a fresh, interesting, and lighthearted attitude to both the dance floor and the classroom.

Valerie teaches all over the United States,
Canada and Europe and runs a dance studio in her hometown of Cleveland, OH.

Tara Taylor

Tara is a graduate of RWJF’s Ladder to Leadership’s Cleveland Cohort, embodies the spirit of “doing whatever it takes ” when it comes to improving the health of her community. Through her We Run This City Youth Marathon Program (WRTC) in Cleveland, Ohio, Tara has helped Cleveland Metropolitan School District students learn to set and achieve fitness goals. CMSD Physical Education teachers help her recruit student runners who train for 12-14 weeks, then participate in one of three race options as part of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon race: a 1.2 mile run, a 10K or a half-marathon. Her program has grown from 80 student runners and 7 schools in 2006 to 403 race day participants and 23 schools in 2010.

Ari Maron, of East 4th Street fame. Economic development wunderkind.

Ari doesn't wait for permission. He (and his dad) are a huge force in bringing back downtown and uptown.

Developers and designers, working under the name Civic Design and Development Collaborative (CDDC), began work earlier this month on a new customer service web survey that will be implemented by Cuyahoga County. The County approached the TAP group at the end of December to build a mobile friendly template that the County could launch in conjunction with a new paper version of the survey early this spring.

Nicole McGee, Plenty Underfoot and plenty more

If you've met Nicole, you know why she has to be on this list. If you haven't, go look her up. Nicole and I have come to know each other through our work with Cleveland Colectivo. She is an amazing mentor, teacher, artist, entrepreneur, and activist. If you like to dine at Aladdin's you've seen some of her work right there on your table--she creates artwork and jewelry from cast-off items like vinyl samples and cereal boxes. If you shopped local this holiday season, you might have met her behind the counter when you visited the Collective Upcycle at Shaker Square. And if you stop by her house, you might meet her chickens. The most amazing part of all is that Nicole accomplishes all of this and more with great humor and a smile for everyone. I, for one, can't wait to see what Nicole will do next.

View full sizeFrank Lanza, Special to The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland's bicycling community has its first full-time advocate. Bike Cleveland, a new nonprofit, has hired Jacob VanSickle, 27, of Old Brooklyn, as its executive director.

Michael Christoff, architect @ Vocon, co-founder of Cleveland Design Competition, co-founder of PechaKucha Cleveland and

Michael is one of the most passionate Clevelanders who elevates multiple initiatives by providing them platforms to shine. He is a connector and it's rare NOT to see him participating at every festival, planning charrette, etc.

Megan O'Bryan, President and CEO, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

Megan has taken this agency to new heights, elevating its impact from the local community to a statewide presence. A result of her leadership, this agency is serving more people than ever before and is amplifying the voice of survivors is places where these voices were not heard before.

Jason is a tireless advocate for thoughtful community planning. You don't hear public officials talk in the plain, direct way that he does, and, as the director of an MPO, he and his team funnel a gazillion dollars back into the local economy.

Growing up in Cleveland's Archwood-Denison neighborhood, Jim Rokakis saw first hand how neighbors helping neighbors could strengthen an entire community. Elected as the youngest member of Cleveland City Council at age 22, he embarked on a 19-year tenure that saw several successes in reversing neighborhood blight, redeveloping Downtown Cleveland, creating the Cleveland Housing Court and serving as chairman on the influential Finance Committee for his last seven years on Council.

Jean Polster Executive Director Neighborhood Family Practice

Under Jean's Leadership Neighborhood Family Practice has grown and added services for Cleveland's Near West Side. NFP offers Primary Care with Integrated Behavioral Health Care and Midwifery Services, supported by care teams with doctors, nurse practitioners and nurse midwives, nurses and patient advocates. The Mission-Partnering with the Community for Everyone's Best Health.

The Very Rev. Tracey Lind, Dean, Trinity Cathedral

Pat McDermott Nixon said on Facebook: "Her ministry includes work for environmental justice, interfaith relations, sustainable urban planning, arts and culture, and the diversity of the Episcopal Church."

Sari Feldman, Executive Director of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Under Sari's leadership, CCPL has been ranked the #1 library in the country by two different ranking agencies. She has put the system on firm financial footing in the midst of budget cuts, and is in the process of updating or building new library branches throughout the county. She is unbelievably active in the community, and is currently President of the Board of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20110718/WOMEN11/307189996/1212

Debi Pence-Meyenberg, Executive Director of America SCORES Cleveland.

Debi leads America SCORES Cleveland a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of young people in Cleveland through soccer, poetry and service learning. America SCORES brings children, teachers, families, communities, volunteers and funding partners together in urban public school environments to create a support system for learning and community enhancement. SCORES’ innovative tri-curricular approach effectively demonstrates to young people how physical activity, creativity, and teamwork promote a sound body, mind, and heart. The unique programming America SCORES provides for Cleveland youth in elementary and middle school is unbeatable. These Poet-Athletes, as they are called in the program, bring success to their schools and communities. America SCORES partners with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to deliver programming. Since starting at America SCORES Cleveland, Debi has expanded the program to 10 CMSD schools, serving more than 400 youth. Debi is a champion partner-always looking for new ways to expand the program through working with other youth serving programs in the Cleveland area. This small nonprofit is making a big difference for Cleveland youth.

Dan Morgan

Dan Morgan is a prolific advocate for Cleveland. His photographic work is known to highlight not only Tower Press, whom he represents but also his Morgan Stay Farm in Ashland, OH. Philanthropically, he has devoted countless hours to numerous non-profits that harbor Cleveland's best interests, namely Ohio Canal Corridor. As a photographer, his weekly photos (sent out to thousands on his email list) are a play-by-play on Cleveland's current cultural events. Fast forward in 100 years, our future generation will know what a slice of life, culturally was during his lifetime.

Eric Gordon, CEO, Cleveland Metro School District

suggested by Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, via Twitter.

Stefanie Penn Spear - Founder /Publisher of ECOWATCH a statewide portal for the environmental movement. She has just tak

Stefanie developed the newspaper EcoWatch to provide a portal for the grassroots environmental movement. She has just taken that concept national and international.

Rich Cochran, President and CEO, Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Rich is a nationally recognized conservationist who had been Chagrin River Land Conservancy's only executive director for 10 years when CRLC and seven other northern Ohio land trusts merged to form Western Reserve Land Conservancy in 2006.

The degree of collaboration and cooperation between important institutions in Kent (City of Kent, KSU, PARTA, students, and citizens) has been amazing. Kent is revitalizing its downtown and its linkage to the university to very little fanfare, but with a lot of success. David has been a huge part of this transformation, but would be the first to give the credit to others.

Tim Donovan

As Executive Director of the Ohio Canal Corridor for umpteen years, Tim had the vision so few lacked to link the Northcoast to Zoar, OH with a designated park/trail. His work has made the harbor of the Cuyahoga all the more visible and ACCESSIBLE to NEO. His work expands NEO to the end of the former Ohio Canal Corridor - this which is what made Cleveland to be Cleveland back in the day. His steadfast endorsement, fight and advocacy for this canal corridor to exist has been a prolific cause that will impact NEO for generations to come.

Betsey Merkel

The Institute for Open Economic Networks 'appeared in the late 90's / early '00's.... It was a monthly meeting where entrepreneurially minded / intelligent / doers / doer wanna be's would meet at Case Western Reserve University. Betsey was/is the glue that makes this group happen. She is one who is happy to intro folks to folks for the mere sake of creating something BIGGER... BETTER.... She is one of the social engines that connects those with ideas with others. The positive impact Betsey's work and linking of other like-minded folks together here in NEO is priceless. She is not only IT astute but people smart, witty and intellectually a diamond for NEO.

Ann Mullin, my colleague at Gund!

She's been instrumental in working on the school transformation plan. (maybe I am bias, but I am sure a lot of people will agree!)

Jan Rybka, Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District.

Dorothy Schmuck Farris said on Facebook, Jan is "one the hardest working conservationists in NEO. Manages strong, effecient and effective programs on limited budget promoting conservation of land and aquatic resources in a developed environment through stewardship, education, and technical assistance."

Ed Mullen, Executive Director, Equality Ohio

suggested by Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, on Twitter.

Jim O'Bryan Founder of the Observer Local Newspaper

Jim has established a system of locally owned, citizen driven, community newspapers. Observers are now in Lakewood, Euclid, Collinwood,Parma, Rocky River, Bay Village, Westlake, Cleveland Hts / University Hts with more on the way.

Eric Anthony Johnson, executive director, University Park Alliance

Executive director of University Park Alliance (UPA) in Akron, Eric has big ideas for reshaping Akron’s urban core into a mixed-use, vibrant community that will provide great places between area anchor institutions. And he is making it happen by leading a collaboration and an audacious push to make Akron a towering example of the power to plan locally for global success.

Belinda Wilson said on Facebook, "David Ellison, architect; Ohio City resident; Green Party Activist, champion of historic preservation and environmentally sound urban redevelopment. (full disclosure: he's my first cousin, once-removed).

Nan Kennedy - founder of Arts Collinwood,

Linda Zolten Wood said on Facebook, Nan is also a "supporter of most of the rebirth of Waterloo re-development (posthumously, her husband, Miles Kennedy)..."

Brian Davis of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless

Alice Bach wrote on facebook: Brian is the "founder and tireless worker for Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH). He has built community between homeless and domiciled volunteers in daily efforts to improve the lives of the homeless."

Jane Buder Shapiro, PhD.

Weezie Scott said on Facebook, "Jane works tirelessly to improre the political scenery here in NE Ohio. She started ODV, Ohioans for Democratic Values. She walks the walk."

Dr. Roxanne Breines Sukol

Joseph Gardewin said on facebook, "She does so much to try and educate people on eating healthy, being healthy and is such a wonderful supporter of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)."

Kathleen Coakley Barrie and Dennis Barrie, Las Vegas Mob Museum, among other great things

on Facebook, Kevin Cronin offered a qualified endorsement: "I don't like lists without standards or criteria, but Kathleen Coakley Barrie and Dennis Barrie deserve mention, particularly on the day their Las Vegas Mob Museum opens."

"The camera is my way of seeing and being. When I pick it up, it becomes part of me. It allows me to express how I see the world. Although it's just a tool, it's the foundation for my work and life." -- Marc Golub As most of you know, I like to keep up with technology.

Dr. Kirk Halliday of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Erie and Ottawa County.

Chris Galvin said on Facebook, "His The Conestoga Program concept is holistic for a neighborhood, demonstrating the power of cooperation and collaboration across systems and neighbor to neighbor."

Abby Greer, in Kent. Co-coordinator of the Kent Community Time Bank

Lisa Regula said on Facebook, Abby started the Time Bank "originally with Verdena Lee (another great doer, but sadly left for north of the 49th parallel). Really a huge shift in thinking, and she's constantly pounding that drum, to positive effect." The Time Bank is a very cool way for neighbors to barter services, which not only helps people solve problems but also strengthens the community in the process.

Jo Jo Graham, Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio

Jo Jo Graham, Founding Executive Director, has taken Northeast Ohio by storm since 2008 with the formation of Dancing Classrooms Northeast Ohio (DCNEO). Building on the groundbreaking work of Pierre Dulaine, Ms. Graham (a Teaching Artist protégé of Dulaine in NYC and Northeast Ohio) returned to her roots in an effort to bring the Dancing Classrooms (DC) program to the communities of Northeast Ohio. DC has been improving the educational experience of children since 1994 when Dulaine started the program in the public schools of NYC. Following the success of its hit documentary, Mad Hot Ballroom, and feature film, Take the Lead, a National Network was born and Graham’s efforts have placed our region on the map!

Through a 10 week – 20 session in-school residency program, the mission is to build social awareness, confidence, and self-esteem in children through the practice of social dance. In addition to the ten-week DC residency, DCNEO engages the entire community through the Colors of the Rainbow Team Match, a free event at the Ohio Theatre providing not only exposure to our renowned theater district, but support to local students as they represent their school with their newfound abilities and confidence.

Graham has truly engaged the community through this innovative educational program and considers it her most valuable contribution to the community because its impact is so wide spread. The program is not just about dance, it is transforming children into “ladies and gentlemen” with a set of behavioral skills that will carry over into all aspects of their lives, giving them the confidence and self-esteem needed to compete in the real world. Most recently, Graham captured the attention of Cleveland Clinic and gained their support to help further her mission with the program throughout the Northeast Ohio region.

Maureen Drummond

I met Maureen through Leadership Mahoning Valley. She brings an unbeatable combination of intelligence, humor, and passion to her work as Excutive Director with HandsOn Volunteer Network of the Valley.  Serving the organization for the last 17 years, she has guided the expansion of the portfolio of nationally recognized and innovative programs responding to emerging trends in the fields of volunteerism and nonprofit capacity building.  As a skilled strategist and results-driven professional, Maureen was instrumental in developing the HOVN Center for Nonprofit Innovation and Leadership which provides training and technical assistance to nonprofits in the Mahoning Valley.  She currently serves as a governor’s appointee to the Ohio Commission on Volunteering and Service, as a member of the Youngstown State University Alumni Society Board, the Raymond John Wean Foundation Capacity Building Committee and the Ellsworth Township Fire Corps.  She has served on national task forces with the Points of Light Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service; and has been a presenter/speaker at national, state and local conferences.  Maureen has also served as a founding partner/trainer of a member team of nonprofit and faith based consultants working nationally to address the needs of smaller nonprofit organizations in building and sustaining governance and programmatic efforts, vice chair of the Eastern Ohio Area Health Education Center affiliated with NEOMED and president of the Ohio Volunteer Centers Association.