BEREA, Ohio – The Cleveland Browns have named Sheila Mason the 2024 Jim Brown Inspire Change Changemaker nominee – an annual award given to local leaders who are making a difference in their community across the NFL's Inspire Change initiatives four pillars of education, economic advancement, police-community relations, or criminal justice reform.
The Browns surprised Mason during a visit to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus where she was recognized during a team meeting for her unwavering commitment to community engagement and justice. Mason, a retired Chief of Police, was honored for her service to the Village of Woodmere and more than four decades in law enforcement and her passion for bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community.
"I truly appreciate the acknowledgment of my love and service for others which has shaped me to be the person I am today," said Sheila Mason. "Realizing my community was my village, growing up on East 55th and White Avenue, was the beginning of making connections, molding me, and allowing me to understand myself and others. Anytime I can be of assistance to others, I am always willing to help. It's an honor to receive the Jim Brown Inspire Change Changemaker award. Understanding how Jim Brown was an influential part of the civil rights movement, especially for Cleveland, this is a full circle moment for me. It is an honor to be acknowledged in the same context as Jim Brown."
Mason joined the Woodmere Police Department in 2010 and was appointed Chief of Police in 2012, leaving a lasting impact on the community, along with over a decade of work with the Cleveland Browns on community and police relations. Through the support of Conversations for Change, a program that supports open dialogue between high school students and local police departments to allow them to understand the power of their voice and learn the importance of their actions, with the ultimate goal of creating positive communities through understanding, Mason has been a true advocate for community relations alongside the Browns.
As the first woman to hold the Sergeant-at-Arms position for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), and through the creation of Conversations for Change, Mason has continued to mentor youth throughout her career and joins local leaders, officers, and community organizations in continued efforts to enact change across Northeast Ohio.
Mason graduated from Cleveland's East High School and continued her studies at Cleveland State University while she balanced her early career with law enforcement. A career that started in 1979 as a dispatcher at the local Cuyahoga Community College. Encouraged by her mentor, she enrolled in the college's police academy and advanced her way through the ranks at Cuyahoga Community College being promoted to many leadership positions including Sergeant, Captain and Commander which serviced all three campuses.
"The Browns are honored to nominate Sheila Mason for this year's Changemaker Award and are grateful for her incredible commitment to improving relations between law enforcement and communities in Northeast Ohio, particularly youth," Haslam Sports Group Vice President of Community Relations, Jenner Tekancic said. "Throughout the years, we have valued her leadership, mentorship and collaboration to help create avenues for positive dialogue and perspective to support our neighborhoods."
Mason will be recognized at the Browns 'Inspire Change' game on Dec. 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs for her extraordinary work in pursuit of social justice. She also will receive a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation, paid directly to a non-profit organization of her choice.
For more information on Inspire Change and the Changemaker Award, visit NFL.com/Changemakers.
About Browns Give Back:
The Cleveland Browns are committed to championing youth football, education and social justice in our community and throughout Ohio. Browns Give Back is the Cleveland Browns initiative dedicated to supporting our fans and neighbors. For more information, visit www.clevelandbrowns.com/community.
