I’m Kathy Gademer, CEO of Mid-Level Leadership Strategies, a certified urban planner, and a passionate community development leader.

My career has spanned over two decades across Ohio and Florida, where I’ve built my reputation on empowering professionals, advancing efficient government processes, and championing the greater good in every community I serve.

My career began in entry-level municipal roles, where I discovered my passion for helping others navigate complex systems and realize their potential.

Guided by my father’s advice:

—

“There’s a way to do everything,

you just have to find it”.

I advanced through mid-level leadership and executive positions by moving from job to the next rung on the leadership ladder in another city. I am recognized for my advanced Excel skills, technical writing, and data-driven decision-making.  Along the way, I became known for my ability to mentoring teams, fostering collaboration, and creating positive, results-driven environments.

My expertise includes strategic planning, project management, process improvement, and the implementation of innovative systems that streamline operations and improve service delivery.

I hold a Master’s in Urban Planning, Design, and Development (MUPDD) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Cleveland State University, Ohio, and I am a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

 

Real-World Experience & Skills

My work as a project manager has given me a deep understanding of the complexities of municipal planning and project execution. I have managed small to large business initiatives, led land planning and mobility initiatives, and served as a liaison to federal, state, regional, and county organizations. My role often requires recommending policies and solutions, writing and presenting detailed reports, and coordinating with third-party engineers and consultants.

I am skillful at analyzing data, developing cost-effective plans, and presenting actionable recommendations to municipal boards and community stakeholders. My responsibilities included facilitating public meetings and workshops, and ensuring that city policies and programs align the communities’ goals.  I pride myself on my ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, municipal officials, and the public, always representing the community with professionalism and integrity.

Purpose & Mission

As CEO of Mid-Level Leadership Strategies, my mission is to empower mid-level professionals to lead with confidence, navigate organizational challenges, and turn intangible leadership qualities into tangible results. I provide coaching, leadership development programs, and actionable strategies to help individuals and teams thrive, innovate, and deliver exceptional value to their organizations and communities.

Core Values

My work is grounded in integrity, fairness, honesty, accountability, teamwork, charity, and loyalty. I believe in continuous learning and service, and I strive every day to bring out the best in those around me.

A Little More About Me

Outside of work, I’m a proud supporter of my husband’s racing career and a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan. I believe that loyalty, determination, and a sense of humor are just as important in life as they are in leadership.

 

How I turned my Intangible Skills into Tangible achievements

I turned my intangible skills—like mentoring, leadership, strategic thinking, and fostering collaboration—into tangible achievements throughout my career by consistently applying them to real-world challenges and measurable outcomes.

My passion for mentoring and team building translated into transforming departments into cohesive, high-performing teams, which improved both internal communication and accountability. My ability to listen and create positive environments led to the implementation of new systems, such as the creating and implementing a development review committee, which reduced permit review times and costs for property owners.

Strategic planning and a commitment to lifelong learning enabled me to design and execute daily, monthly, yearly, and five-year plans, driving consistent progress toward organizational goals. I leveraged my process improvement mindset and Excel expertise to streamline operations, reduce backlogs, and enhance customer service—achieving a 24-hour turnaround for customer communication and earning recognition like the “Above and Beyond” award for reformulating permit fee calculations.

By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and service, I turned qualities like empathy, vision, and adaptability into concrete results: improved systems, empowered teams for a lasting positive impact on the communities and organizations I serve.