Ramona Lowery-Ferrell, MBA/MPA, stands as a testament to excellence in public service, with a career spanning over 28 years in engineering, municipal leadership and community advocacy. Her remarkable journey began in 1996 as the first Black and first female engineer at Cleveland’s Water Pollution Control (WPC) division, where she oversaw a complex sewer infrastructure serving over 380,000 Cleveland residents. Her leadership drove a workforce of 180 employees and managed an annual budget exceeding $38 million. Through strategic innovations and a focus on efficiency, she implemented impactful changes, including closing a three-year backlog of work orders in her first year and saving over $100,000 annually by procuring equipment that was previously rented. 

A champion of sustainable practices, Lowery-Ferrell secured $35 million in bond funding for critical capital projects and developed performance metrics that exceeded mayoral goals by 25%. Her contributions not only enhanced operational efficiency but also significantly improved Cleveland's resilience to flooding and environmental challenges.

Lowery-Ferrell attributes her success in her early days as a college student at Cleveland State University, to being a part of the LINK program and NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). “As part of the LINK, I got a job at Polytech and then they matched me up with a mentor, a female engineer, so just all of that was helpful. It was wonderful that I wanted to graduate because I was a first-generation college student. And so, because of LINK I was introduced to NSBE. Being a member of NSBE was very instrumental because it was a total support system.” She now pays it forward as a mentor of NSBE helping students navigate their academic and personal lives.

Before returning to WPC in 2015, Lowery-Ferrell held pivotal roles at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) and the City of Shaker Heights. At NEORSD, she managed over 50 contracts, achieving cost reductions through innovative restructuring. Notably, she saved $229,460 annually by adopting district-owned trailers for sludge hauling and decreased electricity costs by 50% through competitive bidding strategies.

In a previous position with Shaker Heights, her leadership earned the Sewer Crew consecutive Citizen Customer Service Awards. She secured $3.2 million in state funds for infrastructure projects and implemented in-house maintenance programs that significantly increased productivity and reduced overtime costs.

Now, back with the city of Shaker Heights, as its new public works director. Lowery-Ferrel graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University, then Fenn College of Engineering. 

Lowery-Ferrell’s engineering acumen is complemented by her passion for mentoring youth and advancing diversity in STEM fields. She serves as an advisor for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE JR.) and has mentored students through the Cleveland State University LINK Program and other youth enrichment initiatives. Her dedication earned her the 2024 NAACP Unsung Hero Award and the 2017 Cleveland Hometown Heroes award.

A steadfast advocate for equitable opportunities, Lowery-Ferrell also contributes to numerous boards, including the United Black Fund and Doan Brook Watershed Partnership. Her leadership extends to the architectural, construction, and engineering sectors, where she mentors future professionals and fosters community collaboration.

Recognized for her transformative contributions, Lowery-Ferrell has been featured in Who’s Who in Black Cleveland and Phenomenal Woman Magazine. She has received awards such as the Nsoroma (Shining Star) Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Cleveland State University.

Her certifications in wastewater and water distribution underscore her technical expertise, while her educational background, including a bachelor’s in civil engineering (CSU Fenn College of Engineering) and dual master’s degrees in business and public administration, equips her with a robust foundation for leadership.

A Visionary for Tomorrow

Lowery-Ferrell's philosophy of leaving organizations better than she found them is evident in her legacy of innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community empowerment. As she continues to bridge the gap between public service and engineering excellence, her work inspires professionals and community leaders alike to pursue transformative change. Her story serves as a beacon of resilience, determination, and the power of teamwork to achieve meaningful impact.