Deputy Chief

Lilleana Cavanaugh

Business Solutions & Outreach Minority Business Development Division

Lilly is the Deputy Chief for Business Solutions & Outreach at the MinorityBusiness Development Division of the Ohio Department of Development.  In this role, she works to increase the number of certified minority, women-owned, veteran-friendly, and diverse business enterprises.  Mrs. Cavanaugh is focused on increasing the number of businesses receiving technical assistance, and capital and supporting the increase in procurement opportunities for businesses in our state.

Lilly has an extensive career in the private and public sector.  
Executive Director Most recently, she served as Executive Director for the Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, State of Ohio. Mrs. Cavanaugh has been directly engaged with the Latino and ethnic minority communities in Ohio for 25 years.  She has played a key role in building collaboration and partnerships among government entities, community-based organizations, and the private sector to improve the quality of life and opportunities for Hispanics/Latinos and other ethnic minorities. She is originally from Costa Rica and has lived and worked in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Lilly is a Certified Public Manager and has an associate’s degree in business from Sinclair Community College, a bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Phoenix, and a master's degree in Business Administration from Capella University.