Carolyn Cheverine is a highly accomplished executive with extensive experience providing legal counsel in many areas and advising on corporate governance to public companies and nonprofits. With a distinguished career spanning several high-profile organizations, Carolyn has established herself as a trusted advisor to boards and executive teams, bringing a wealth of expertise in securities, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), tax, commercial transactions, and ethics and compliance.
Currently serving as President of the Northeast Ohio Tennis Association (NEOTA) since December 2022, Carolyn has effectively leveraged her strategic vision and leadership skills to drive the organization’s growth and impact in the community. In this role, she is instrumental in promoting the sport of tennis and fostering community engagement across the region.
Carolyn’s career includes notable positions in both corporate and non-profit sectors. She retired in December 2022 as Senior Counsel – Governance and Finance at the Cleveland Clinic, where she provided pivotal guidance on governance and financial matters. Prior to this, she was the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at The Timken Company from May 2017 to July 2018, where she played a crucial role in overseeing legal strategies and compliance for the company.
Her tenure at Eaton Corporation as Vice President & Chief Counsel for Corporate Tax and International Transactions, and Senior Vice President & Chief Counsel for the Industrial Sector, highlights her adeptness in managing complex cross-border transactions and commercial issues ranging from supply chain failures to building plants in foreign countries. Carolyn’s leadership in these roles underscores her capability in navigating intricate legal landscapes and delivering impactful solutions.
Before her roles at Eaton, Carolyn served as Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary at Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., where she provided comprehensive legal services in securities, capital markets, M&A, and compliance. Her extensive experience also includes a significant tenure at The Lubrizol Corporation as Senior Counsel, where she advised on securities, corporate finance, and M&A while also serving as an ethics officer.
Carolyn’s legal career began at Stoel Rives LLP, where she handled corporate transactions from formation to mezzanine financing and IPOs. She then worked for KeyCorp, where she managed securities, corporate finance and M&A transactions, and provided legal advice to its derivatives and foreign currency trading desks. Before attending law school, Carolyn was a certified public accountant with Price Waterhouse.
Academically, Carolyn holds a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she concentrated on tax and corporate law and served as Executive Editor of the Virginia Tax Review. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on Accounting and Decision Sciences, and was actively involved in various student organizations.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Carolyn is deeply committed to community service. She has served as a Board Member and Treasurer at the Cleveland Play House and is a member of the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Board of Trustees. Her involvement with the Society of Corporate Governance – Ohio Chapter, where she has held multiple leadership roles including President, reflects her dedication to advancing corporate governance practices.
Carolyn Cheverine’s career is marked by her dedication to legal excellence, strategic leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact both within and outside the corporate world. Her extensive experience and unwavering integrity continue to drive her success as a leading figure in corporate governance and legal advisory.
Character: Carolyn Cheverine exemplifies unwavering integrity and respect in all interactions, even when faced with adversity. Her dedication to ethical behavior and problem-solving underscores her strong moral character.
Knowledge: With extensive expertise in corporate governance, securities, and corporate finance, Carolyn has a deep understanding of complex legal and business issues. Her background includes significant roles in both public and private sectors, enriching her broad knowledge base.
Strategic: Carolyn’s strategic acumen is evident in her leadership roles across various organizations and industries, where she has effectively navigated M&A, commercial, and corporate governance challenges.
Communication: Known for her exceptional ability to build consensus and foster relationships, Carolyn communicates complex ideas clearly and effectively. Her collaborative approach and calm demeanor help her excel in both boardroom discussions and stakeholder engagements.
