Jane L. Campbell

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Jane L. Campbell (born May 19, 1953) is an American politician who served as the 56th Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, from 2002 to 2006. She was the first woman to hold Cleveland’s top job.

Early life and education
- Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her mother, Joan Brown Campbell, was a church leader, and her father was a partner at a law firm.
- Attended Shaker Heights High School.
- Earned a BA in American History from the University of Michigan.
- Earned an MA in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University.

Career before becoming mayor
- In 1975, founded WomenSpace, a coalition of women’s groups that promoted leadership and helped create Ohio’s first shelter for battered women.
- In 1979, worked as National Field Director for ERAmerica, supporting the Equal Rights Amendment movement.
- In the early 1980s, as executive director of Friends of Shaker Square, helped develop the area and promote neighborhood improvements.

Political career and public service
- Elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1984 (served 1985–1996). She held leadership roles, including majority whip and assistant minority leader.
- In 1995, elected President of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
- As a state lawmaker, worked on laws for economic development, child welfare, juvenile justice, and child support enforcement; helped secure funding for sports venues in Cleveland and other urban development projects.
- Appointed to work with the Clinton administration on intergovernmental affairs related to welfare reform.
- Elected Cuyahoga County Commissioner in 1996 and reelected in 2000. She reformed the county welfare system, fostered workforce training, and promoted redevelopment projects.

Mayor of Cleveland
- Won the 2001 mayoral race with about 54% of the vote, becoming Cleveland’s first female mayor, and took office January 1, 2002.
- Faced a large budget deficit but stabilized the city’s finances within a year without raising taxes, though some services were cut and many city employees were laid off in the following year.
- Advanced the Lakefront Plan to boost regional development and highlight Lake Erie as a key asset.
- Helped initiate about $3 billion in urban investments, including Steelyard Commons, Gordon Square Arts District, Battery Park redevelopment, and major street and transit projects.
- Oversaw Cleveland’s first state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center and the city hosting the International Children's Games in 2004.
- Faced criticism over the decision-making process on a new convention center and for supporting a Wal-Mart at Steelyard Commons; relations with the City Council were sometimes strained, and there was a recall attempt.
- In 2005, after a crowded mayoral field, she lost to City Council President Frank Jackson in the general election.

Later career
- Short-term fellow at Harvard University in 2006, teaching about city governance and Ohio politics.
- Managed public-private partnerships for Colliers Ostendorf-Morris (2006–2009).
- Became chief of staff to U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana in 2009.
- Later served as President and CEO of the United States Capitol Historical Society (appointed in 2019).

Personal life
- Was married to urban planner Hunter Morrison; they have two daughters, Jessica and Catherine Campbell-Morrison. They divorced in 2008.