Linda Kerekes &#039;77

January 30, 2024

From an early age, Linda Kerekes knew her calling was philanthropy. As an EC student involved in band and yearbook, she was looking for opportunities to donate her time. It was during high school she volunteered at Murray Ridge School and discoveed her passion to learn and support educational programs and nonprofit organizations.

After graduation, Linda went on to earn an Associate Degree in Business from Lorain County Community College and a BA from Baldwin Wallace University. She also earned her CPA with the State of Ohio. However, Linda did not attend college full time as most might assume. She worked hard over a seven-year period to earn her degrees as a part-time student while also working in the real world.

“Elyria Catholic provided me with the skills and tools needed to succeed as a student and excel in the business world at the same time.”

For over 20 years, Linda refreshed and repurposed furniture for Front Steps Housing and Services, a facility in Cleveland designated to transforming lives and ending the cycle of homelessness.

She has also sponsored children through Cleveland COAR Peace Mission. In 2019, Linda spent a week at the COAR Children’s Village in El Salvador where she met the young girl she sponsored.

After 35 years, Linda Kerekes retired as a treasurer and CFO from Fastener Industries, Inc in Berea, OH.

During her tenure, she served 30 years as a board appointed member of their Employee Stock Ownership Plan Administrative Pension Committee.

As a champion for employee ownership, she was presented the John Logue Employee Ownership Excellence Award at the 37th Annual Ohio Employee Ownership Center conference in 2023. This award honors recognized leaders in employee ownership on a national level.

Since retirement, Linda is busy pursuing her passion for non-profits in both Lorain and Cuyahoga County. She currently serves as a board member and treasurer for the Women’s Fund Advisory Board affiliate of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. In her spare time, Linda enjoys reading and traveling.