Jenny Grasselli Brown was a founding member of Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA), and a beloved, active participant in the Greater Cleveland community. Because of her foresight, determination, sector-specific knowledge, and a vast network of strategic collaborators, CWA exists today. She was involved in many initiatives, projects, and nonprofits beyond CWA, and her impact on our region will be felt for generations.

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Bryan Stubbs, Executive Director and President of Cleveland Water Alliance, shared, “There would be no Cleveland Water Alliance without Jenny Grasselli Brown. She brought together the right people, asked the right questions, and had a deep understanding that our water resources made our region special. Jenny was more than just a founder; she was a friend and mentor to many of us. She gave her time, her wisdom, and her heart to this work. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known her, and even more so to continue the mission she helped start.” 

The Founding of Cleveland Water Alliance

In the early 2000s, Jenny recognized the economic and ecological potential of Northeast Ohio’s freshwater assets. As Chair of the Great Lakes Science Center, she began convening academics, nonprofit leaders, and industry experts to explore the idea of a freshwater research initiative. With her leadership and crucial support from regional funders, that concept evolved into a multi-sector alliance dedicated to freshwater innovation.

After years of strategic convenings and foundational groundwork, Jenny was unanimously chosen as the first Board Chair and President of Cleveland Water Alliance in 2013. She helped shape the organization’s mission, governance, and partnerships, ensuring that CWA would bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world solutions. Her deep belief in the potential of a “water economy” and her focus on collaboration across disciplines laid the foundation for what CWA has become. 

A Lifetime of Achievement

Dr. Jenny Grasselli Brown spent 38 years in industrial research, retiring as Director of Corporate Research at BP America (formerly Standard Oil). An internationally recognized spectroscopist, she authored more than 80 scientific publications, held a patent, and co-authored nine books in the field of infrared and Raman spectroscopy.

She was a true trailblazer, becoming the first female director of corporate research at BP and later chairing the Ohio Board of Regents, overseeing higher education across the state. Her lifelong passion for science was matched by her deep commitment to public service. Jenny served on dozens of nonprofit and institutional boards including the Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, ideastream, College Now Greater Cleveland, and the Great Lakes Science Center, among many others.

Her extraordinary contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Garvan Medal from the American Chemical Society, the National Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Cleveland Heritage Award, and induction into the Ohio Science and Technology Hall of Fame, the Cleveland International Hall of Fame, and the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame.

A Champion for Education, Innovation, and the Great Lakes

Beyond CWA, Jenny’s contributions to education and scientific advancement were profound. She held 13 honorary degrees, chaired the board of the Alliance for Water Future, and served on White House science advisory panels. She championed STEM education, mentored aspiring young scientists, and advocated for environmental progress.

In all her endeavors, she championed the essential role water plays in our health, economy, and environment, and believed in empowering others to do the same.

We remember Jenny Grasselli Brown not only for what she accomplished, but for who she was: a connector, a leader, a scientist, and a friend. Her impact on Cleveland, on water innovation, and on our community will never be forgotten.