Careers
Ben Chojnacki, an attorney who focuses his practice on public law, sports law and litigation, is a 2018 graduate of the Cleveland Bridge Builders. Chojnacki is the third Walter Haverfield attorney to complete the 10-month long program, which teaches participants how to become effective leaders and create meaningful change around a civic issue impacting Northeast Ohio.
Chojnacki is one of 59 graduates in this year’s class. Others include individuals from the non-profit, public and private sectors. All participants were required to go through a thorough application and vetting process.
“Bridge Builders provided the perfect opportunity for me to give back to the community and develop sustainable, long-term relationships with like-minded professionals,” said Chojnacki, who currently serves as the assistant law director for the village of Cuyahoga Heights. “It also allowed me to get back to doing what I love – volunteering.”
As part of the program, participants applied their skills to assist a local community organization in boosting its strategic efforts and overall effectiveness. Those organizations included the Positive Coaching Alliance, International Women’s Air and Space Museum, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and Signature Health, among others.
“I learned a lot about the challenges that non-profits and social service organizations face in achieving long-term success in the civic realm,” added Chojnacki, who worked with Signature Health, an opioid addition and behavioral healthcare services provider in Northeast Ohio. “I also became more aware of the strategies successful civic organizations have employed to ensure they have a long-lasting impact on Northeast Ohio.”