Cleveland Rowing Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director, Nikki Jaworski

Welcome, Nikki!

The Board of Directors of the Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) is thrilled to announce Nicolette (Nikki) Jaworski as our Executive Director. 

With deep Cleveland roots, and a passion for both public service and rowing, Nikki joins the Cleveland Rowing Foundation as Executive Director after returning to Cleveland from Washington D.C. where she served as the Director, Presidential Press Advance at the White House. Before her tenure in Washington, she served as the Director of Global Public Affairs for AT&T. Her record of community service includes serving on the boards of the Cleveland Urban League, the Cleveland International Film Festival, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Board and CityYear Cleveland.

Nikki began her rowing career as a student at The Ohio State University which fueled her passion for the sport. She has since continued this enthusiasm and is a staple within the Cleveland rowing community having experience as a sculler and member of the Western Reserve Rowing Association.

Experienced in Cleveland Rowing Foundation's Community Initiatives

In December of 2023, The Cleveland Rowing Foundation held an exclusive early showing of blockbuster movie, "The Boys in the Boat", a movie based off of the famed Novel. This fundraiser, including an auction of local gifts, experiences, and rowing goods was CRF's single-greatest fundraiser in years - all of which would not have been possible without Nikki's diligent work for the event. Check out Nikki's 2023 interview on WKYC Cleveland as event Co-Chair where she is previewing this hugely successful event:

A Note from the Board of Directors

"The massive community investments up and down the river including Bedrock’s Riverfront Cleveland, Irishtown Bend Park, and the Metroparks expansion make this an incredibly exciting time for CRF. Nikki is uniquely positioned to help us capitalize on the momentum with her extensive expertise in public affairs, media, event management, strategic communications and community building. Cultivating strong relationships with the network of CRF stakeholders and establishing new relationships have the potential to strengthen the organization’s finances, reputation and facilities," Sue Tyler, CRF Board President stated. 

Nikki's leadership skills combined with her evident compassion for the Cleveland community make her the perfect fit for leading the Cleveland Rowing Foundation into the future. She is excited to bring her passion and love of the sport to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who pass through our doors: rowers, parents, spectators and future athletes.