CLEVELAND, OH—The Greater Cleveland Film Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Lowell W. Perry, Jr. to the newly created position of Chief Diversity Officer, Vice President Corporate & Community Engagement, effective immediately.
Mr. Perry brings a proven track record of success in non-profit and for-profit executive management, along with a broad-based organizational development background and significant expertise in diversity, equity & inclusion, community outreach, advocacy, strategic alliances, and fundraising.
“Lowell Perry is the right person at the right time to help GCFC leverage the explosive demand for content and accelerate economic investment into Northeast Ohio,” says Bill Garvey, President of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. “His wealth of experience in non-profit management and diversity, equity & inclusion will strengthen GCFC’s efforts to grow the number of local motion picture jobs and develop a more diverse workforce.”
Most recently, Perry served as Executive Director of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (YCNHA) in Yuma, Arizona, where he attracted over $11.25 million in restoration and preservation commitments for the Yuma Territorial Prison, and Colorado River State Historic Park to promote his vision for a “Historic Yuma Experience.” As a board member of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas (ANHA) Lowell played a key role in passing the legislation to reauthorize congressional funding for the national heritage area program.
Prior to that, Perry led the Central Promise Neighborhood—a program of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland. He also served as Chief Diversity Officer, SVP Corporate & Community Engagement for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, as well as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, where under his leadership the regional agency set records for the number of children served.
Perry’s diverse background also includes public speaking, voiceovers, and commercials, as well as appearances in feature films and television. He is a graduate of Yale University, a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a past board member of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corp and a member of Leadership Nashville Class of 2009.
ABOUT THE GREATER CLEVELAND FILM COMMISSION
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) is a 501c3 nonprofit, whose mission is to create jobs and economic impact to Northeast Ohio through a vibrant film and media arts industry. GCFC was the driving force behind the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit (OMPTC) in 2009. Since then, GCFC has attracted over 300 productions, most recently Netflix’s “White Noise” and Universal Pictures “Shooting Stars,” the Lebron James bio-pic. These projects have created 7,092 full-time equivalent jobs and brought over $1.38 billion into Ohio’s economy. GCFC connects cast and crew talent directly to production opportunities and invests in developing a strong local workforce by presenting workshops, seminars, FilmSkills training and internships designed to give local talent the education, experience and professional connections for a prosperous career in the film industry. GCFC works tirelessly to generate real, sustainable opportunities that attract and retain talent and economic growth.
Netflix’s feature “White Noise” premiered on Friday, December 30th, 2022. 92% of “White Noise” filmed in Northeast Ohio in 2021 (starring Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, and Don Cheadle). Netflix was here for 21 weeks of filming (with an additional 6 months of prep), employing 921 crew and 3,000 extras, booked 36,000 hotel room nights, and spent an estimated $106.6 Million in the region at 256 vendors. ”White Noise” secured the prestigious honor of opening both the Venice & NY Film Festivals.