Benesch Partner Ira Kaplan Named Chair of United Way of Greater Cleveland Board of Directors

Benesch is proud to announce that Ira C. Kaplan, Executive Chairman of Benesch, has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors for United Way of Greater Cleveland, one of the region’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing financial stability and opportunity for individuals and families across Northeast Ohio.

Ira’s two-year term began September 24, 2026. In his new role, he will help guide United Way’s strategic priorities as it works to strengthen workforce supports, expand economic mobility, and connect individuals and families to critical resources through programs such as United Way 211 and Bridges@Work.

A dedicated supporter of United Way for 27 years, Ira’s involvement with the organization began in 1999 as a member of its Collaborative Action Fund. Since then, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including co-chairing United Way’s Annual Campaign in 2013, serving on six board committees and supporting the organization’s long-term growth through philanthropy alongside his wife, Amy. The Kaplans are longtime members of United Way’s Philanthropist Society and Legacy Circle and have supported the Cleveland Community Fund Endowment through the Mandel Match campaign.

“I’ve been fortunate to witness firsthand the impact United Way has on individuals, families and our region,” Ira said. “I am honored to serve as board chair and help advance solutions that support working families and create greater opportunities for long-term financial stability.”

Ira’s commitment to civic leadership extends well beyond United Way. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and is a board and Executive Committee member and past board chair of Bellefaire JCB. He has also served as board chair of the Cleveland Leadership Center, Engage! Cleveland, Mount Sinai Health Foundation and Wingspan Care Group.

At Benesch, Ira serves as Executive Chairman and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He previously served as Managing Partner from 2008 to 2014 and Associate Managing Partner from 2007 to 2008. He is widely recognized for his legal work in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and healthcare transactions, and he has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Venture Capital Law every year since 2006.

Congratulations to Ira on this well-deserved honor and continued service to the Greater Cleveland community.

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