Cleveland, November 25, 2024 – The Maltz Museum is pleased to announce that Karen and Paul Dolan have been selected as the distinguished honorees of the 2025 Maltz Heritage Award. This prestigious award celebrates individuals whose exceptional leadership, visionary contributions, and unwavering humanity promote transformative change in our region.
“Through their exceptional compassion and leadership, the Dolans have enriched Greater Cleveland in countless ways,” said Aaron Petersal, Executive Director of the Maltz Museum. “The example set by this remarkable couple compels others in our region to follow their lead. Their philanthropic endeavors, dedication to the people of our community, and compassionate spirit make them well-deserved recipients of the 2025 Heritage Award.”
Best known for his leadership of Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians, Paul Dolan is a true champion for the Cleveland community. He and his wife, Karen Dolan, devote countless hours to community causes, including VeloSano, Providence House, the United Way of Greater Cleveland, and many more.
As Chairman and CEO of the Cleveland Guardians, Paul has built a high-achieving organization that produces successful teams and stellar fan experiences year after year. Beyond baseball, he is dedicated to advancing Greater Cleveland’s economic, health, and cultural sectors, serving on the boards of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Cleveland Clinic, Playhouse Square Foundation, and Evergreen Cooperatives.
Born in Chardon, Ohio, Paul Dolan is one of six children of Larry and Eva Dolan. He attended high school at Gilmour Academy, received a B.A. from St. Lawrence University, and earned a Juris Doctorate at Notre Dame Law School in 1983. In 2000, he was hired by the Cleveland Indians as a Vice President and General Counsel. Four years later, he became the Team President, and in 2011, he was named to his current position.
Also a Northeast Ohio native, Karen Dolan was raised in West Park and attended Our Lady of Angels Grade School and St. Joseph Academy. After graduating from John Carroll University with a degree in economics, she was introduced to Paul by his father, Larry Dolan. Karen and Paul have been married for 35 years and have two adult sons.
Karen is an active community leader dedicated to making a positive impact in Northeast Ohio. In 2018, she served as the Harvest for Hunger Co-Chair, helping to lead one of the largest annual campaigns to fight hunger in the region. Karen has also been a dedicated supporter of Providence House, where she serves as a Committee Chair for the Giving Hope for the PHuture Campaign, working to provide shelter and resources to families in need. Her main philanthropic interests are children, education, and hunger.
The Maltz Museum’s Board Chair, Reneé Chelm, said of the awardees, “The Maltz Heritage Award is a celebration of leadership that transcends boundaries and inspires us all to create a brighter future for our region. Karen and Paul Dolan fully exemplify these values. Their vision, passion, and humanity help create progress for all in our community and inspire others to do the same. We’re thrilled to honor Karen and Paul for all their tireless effort in elevating Greater Cleveland.”
The 2025 Maltz Heritage Award co-chairs are Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis, Stewart Kohl, and August “Augie” Napoli.” Past honorees include: Joanie and Tom Adler (2024), Stewart Kohl and The Riverside Company (2023), Dee and Jimmy Haslam (2022), Carole F. Hoover and Vanessa L. Whiting (2021), Richard K. Smucker and The J.M. Smucker Company (2020), Beth E. Mooney (2019), Christopher Connor (2018), Audrey and Albert Ratner (2017), Barbara Snyder (2016), Milton and Tamar Maltz (2015), Alexander Cutler (2014), and Toby Cosgrove (2013). For more information or to sponsor, please contact Director of Development, Dayan Gross, dgross@mmjh.org or 216-593-0575 x230.
