Lee Ann O'Brien
Lorain County seniors and their families are able to more easily navigate the challenges of aging, housing, social services and medical needs, thanks in part to The McGregor Foundation. The organization’s McGregor Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) opened in a new, convenient location in Elyria in November 2025. PACE delivers a full spectrum of services to seniors, allowing them to remain independent wherever they call home.
Lee Ann O’Brien, named Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of The McGregor Foundation in 2025, has been instrumental in much of McGregor’s success. Previously, O’Brien held several key administrative roles over the 15 years of her association with the organization. Her leadership work in Lorain County (as well as Cuyahoga and Summit counties) has aided McGregor in assisting others.
O’Brien is especially proud of McGregor’s new, affordable senior independent housing building which will break ground this spring and is scheduled to open in 2027. McGregor Landing will be a four-story apartment complex with 115 apartments.
How were your leadership skills formed?
“I have been fortunate to have been on many boards throughout my career. We always want to learn and there is always something new and different on the horizon. Being with McGregor partners and on different boards in northeast Ohio has provided those opportunities. Currently I am part of the Leadership Lorain County Class of 2026 and we will graduate in May 2026. I have also served with the American Cancer Society, Women’s City Club of Cleveland, Leadership Cleveland and as president of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation, among many others.”
What are some of those specific skills?
“Some people say I am known for my innovation. And in my roles, I am not just thinking about women, but with or for women and how they can succeed and how everyone can benefit from their views and talents. That’s something that has always been very important in my career.”
How do you challenge yourself?
“Last year I joined the North Coast Women’s Sailing Association. I wanted to try something I never tried before. This past summer our team became more involved with the racing component of the organization. I learned to crew on a sailboat. That was kind of exciting and pushed my limits. I am not one to stagnate or remain satisfied with everything. You always want to live that extraordinary life.”
What was your childhood like?
“Our parents took us on road trips every summer out West, at least for three months. We went all over the West, as far at California and I’ve been to almost every national park west of Ohio. While it’s really nice to travel the world, there is so much to see in the United States.”
Anything you are afraid of?
“I know we all get older every day. But I don’t want to grow old in my way of thinking. I want to have a positive outlook.”
FAVORITES
Book: Mindset: Changing the Way You Think to Fulfil Your Potential by Carol Dweck
Sport: “I am an avid golfer. I say I am a member of the CGA — the Casual Golf Association.”
Food: “I don’t think there is a food I don’t like, except for the lima beans my mother used to make me eat. Every now and then I can crave a really good burger. And I love sashimi.”
Film: “I can watch The Thomas Crown Affair endlessly, but is has to be the version with Pierce Brosnan.”
Clothing: “A cozy, bulky turtle neck sweater.”
