Former JumpStart board chair Cindy Torres Essell joins the staff as chief administrative officer

Cindy Torres Essell spent six years on JumpStart Inc.'s board of directors, including a term as chair. On Oct. 19, she transitioned to staff as the Cleveland nonprofit's chief administrative officer (CAO).

Torres Essell joined the board in 2020 and came to know the organization, its people and its impact firsthand. Over time, she explained, she became committed to JumpStart's work supporting entrepreneurs and the role it plays in long-term growth across the region. When the CAO position opened, she saw a chance to bring her experience to a mission she believes in.

"This region has given me so much, so the opportunity to contribute full-time was an easy decision," Torres Essell said.

She resigned from the board in May 2026 when she stated her interest in applying for the role. Newmark's Terry Coyne was named board chair in September.

By the numbers

• 2020: Year Torres Essell joined JumpStart's board of directors
• May 2026: She resigned from the board to apply for the CAO role
• Oct. 19, 2026: Her first day as chief administrative officer
• Five areas under her oversight: human resources, IT, legal and compliance, facilities and administrative operations

A familiar role, rescoped

The CAO role is not new at JumpStart, though it is relatively recent. When the previous CAO relocated out of state, JumpStart revisited the role to make sure its responsibilities reflected the organization's current needs, she noted.

In the new role, Torres Essell reports to CEO Lorne Novick. "From my time on the Board, I saw his leadership firsthand, and I'm excited to work with him in this new capacity," she commented..

Before joining JumpStart, Torres Essell served as chief people officer at Heinen's Inc. She began her career practicing labor and employment law before moving into senior leadership roles across corporations, financial institutions, law firms and higher education.

Listening first

Dan Brown, JumpStart's chief services officer, leads the organization's direct work with growing startups. Torres Essell's focus is internal: making sure JumpStart's own operations, technology and systems help its team and partners do their best work.

"I'll begin by listening and learning what is already effective, where people encounter obstacles and what would make their work easier and more effective," she stated. "I want to give our team the tools and information they need to serve entrepreneurs well."

Her legal background fits that team-first approach. Her connections and experience in HR and employment law can be a resource to the services team as they advise founders, she added, but her broader priority is helping staff grow their expertise in critical areas and work together to increase the team's collective capacity.

"When our team is empowered and continuously learning, JumpStart can deliver even more meaningful, holistic support to the founders and small business owners we serve every day," she said.

Building on what already works

From the board, Torres Essell saw a focused, well-run organization with a team committed to its mission.

"I did not come in with a list of problems to fix," she said. "I saw an opportunity to build on that foundation by bringing my experience to support the team, improve how we work together and help JumpStart increase its impact."

By the end of her first year, she wants JumpStart ready for its next chapter. With the current strategic plan nearing completion, she will work with Novick, the board and staff on a plan to expand the organization's impact sustainably.

"Success would mean that we share a clear direction and are prepared to carry it out in service of entrepreneurs across our region," she stated.