By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
When Shantae Brownlee talks about her work, you can almost hear the hum of construction, the whispers of dreams and the echoes of hope. As the senior vice president for operations and chief financial officer of the Lucas County Land Bank, she’s not just crunching numbers or overseeing demolition crews—she’s shaping the heart of Toledo, one neighborhood at a time.
Brownlee is a bit like a gardener. She nurtures seeds of potential, prunes away decay and watches as communities bloom into healthier, stronger versions of themselves. With over $30 million in grants under her care—the largest budget in the Land Bank’s history—she’s leading projects that range from home renovations to tearing down structures that have outlived their time.
“It’s not just about buildings,” Brownlee explains. “It’s about the lives inside them. Homes are where memories are made, and neighborhoods are the stage where life’s shared stories unfold.”
But how does someone become the kind of leader who sees both the forest and the trees? For Brownlee, it started at home.
Roots Run Deep
Brownlee’s mother, Susan Jester, was a trailblazer in her own right. As a community lender for over 30 years, Miss Susan fought against redlining—the practice of denying loans to people based on their race or neighborhood. She ensured low-to-moderate income families got fair treatment in the home-buying process.
“My mom taught me that fairness isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a responsibility,” Brownlee shares. “Watching her fight for equity planted a seed in me to do the same.”
That seed grew into a career marked by dedication and drive. In 2008, Shantae graduated cum laude from Franklin University with a degree in Business Administration and Human Resources. She was the first in her family to earn a college degree—a milestone she describes as “breaking generational cycles of poverty.”
“I wanted my kids to see what’s possible when you don’t let your circumstances define you,” she says. “Now, they’re chasing their own dreams, and that’s the best reward I could ask for.”
Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers
Before joining the Lucas County Land Bank in 2012, Brownlee spent over a decade in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations like the Wayman D. Palmer Community YMCA and the Frederick Douglass Community Association. “I’m so grateful I started my professional career with Wayman Palmer Y and the Doug because it gave me a deep insight into our community and a trust with people that I always honor,” she reflects.
These roles taught her an important lesson: grassroots efforts and strategic vision go hand-in-hand.
“Our homeowner initiatives are also grassroots. We’re connected to families, and we truly understand their needs,” Brownlee explains. “It’s the trust and connection we have that make a real difference. So many organizations lack real trust with community members, and that’s something my team and I take very seriously.”
At the Land Bank, Brownlee applies this philosophy daily. Her projects are as much about listening to residents as they are about budgets and blueprints. Whether she’s guiding homeowners through investment programs or collaborating with neighborhood organizations, she’s always focused on one goal: creating spaces where families can thrive.
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Brownlee didn’t grow up in Toledo, but you wouldn’t know it by the way she talks about the city. She and her husband, Michael, made a deliberate choice to live in the Junction Neighborhood—a community she also serves through her work.
“Toledo is home because I chose it,” she says. “Living in the community I serve keeps me grounded. It reminds me every day why this work matters.”
Her connection to Toledo goes beyond her job. In 2021, she received the YWCA Milestones Social Services Award, a recognition of her commitment to equity and community building.
“My greatest accomplishment is working so closely within our communities,” she shares. “I hear the voices of mentors like the late Mayor Jack Ford, Paula Hicks Hudson, Michael Ashford and the late Weldon Douthitt every day. I want to honor them in the work that I’m doing.”
She’s also grateful for the lessons her role at the Land Bank has taught her. “I almost didn’t take this job because I thought it would mean always working in the government center and rarely within the community,” she admits. “Twelve years later, I realize it was destined for me to be here—bringing the government center to the community.”
The Power of Authentic Leadership
As a leader, Brownlee is unwavering in her values. “I stand in my authentic voice,” she says. “I always make it clear that when I am sitting at the table, I have the courage to speak for those who aren’t here with us.”
She’s also a champion of cultural competence. “I take issue with leaders who lack cultural awareness,” she says. “Thankfully, our Land Bank team is incredibly diverse. With a multicultural team, it’s a blessing to truly represent Toledo and the entire county we serve. We honor and respect one another, and the community does the same in return.”
Brownlee’s leadership style is built on transparency. “I’m always open and honest about the possibilities of what myself and our team can do,” she says.
For anyone curious about the Land Bank’s work, their website is a great place to start. Whether you’re looking to renovate an abandoned property or explore other opportunities to invest in Toledo’s future, the Lucas County Land Bank offers options to suit your goals.
A Vision for Toledo
When asked about her vision for Toledo, Brownlee’s face lights up. “I want Toledo to be a city where everyone feels they belong. A place where creativity thrives, resilience shines, and communities come together to support one another.”
Through her work at the Land Bank, she’s turning that vision into reality. Every home she renovates, every partnership she builds, and every program she leads is a step toward a stronger, more connected Toledo.
“Our established professionals in the Toledo community embrace young leadership,” she says. “It’s something that makes this city so special. I cherish the advice and encouragement I’ve received, and I love passing that on to others.”
The Work of a Lifetime
Brownlee’s story is a reminder that purpose is the fuel for change. Whether she’s managing multi-million-dollar grants or mentoring young leaders, she approaches every task with the same question: How can I make a difference today?
Her journey invites us all to reflect on our own lives. What seeds are we planting in our communities? How are we using our gifts to create a better world?
As Brownlee puts it: “The best neighborhoods aren’t built overnight. They’re built with love, patience, and a lot of teamwork.”
The next time you pass a revitalized home or see a neighborhood transformed, remember the hands and hearts behind the work. Leaders like Shantae S. Brownlee prove that with trust, passion, and commitment, one person can indeed make a world of difference.”
Visit LucasCountyLandBank.org to learn more.