Cranbrook Names Jenny Cederstrom as New Chief Operating Officer

Nationally recognized nonprofit financial executive joins leadership of globally acclaimed education, art, and science community. 

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, April 11, 2024 – Cranbrook Educational Community announced today that, after a national search, Jenny Cederstrom has been named its new Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer. Photo of Cranbrook COO Jenny Cederstrom

Cederstrom joins Cranbrook from Samaritas, where, until recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer and was integral in leading the nonprofit's business and financial transformation. 

Before Samaritas, Cederstrom held key financial leadership roles in regionally and nationally acclaimed nonprofit organizations, including the Judson Center and the American Red Cross, and has a deep background in audit, tax, and regulatory compliance from her time with the public accounting firm Plante Moran. 

Cederstrom succeeds Cranbrook’s former COO Roderick “Rod” Spearin, who will retire after 12 years of serving on the educational community's senior leadership team. Her appointment is effective May 29, 2024, and she will report to Cranbrook President Aimeclaire Roche. 

“Cranbrook is deeply grateful to Rod Spearin for his dedication and passionate stewardship of the Cranbrook Educational Community over the past decade,” said Roche. “Rod has had a transformational impact on our Community, helping us forge the path to a sustainable financial operation and the continued preservation of our National Historic Landmark campus.” 

As Cranbrook’s COO, Cederstrom will oversee finance and administration, landscape, plant operations, human resources, safety and security, information technology, and capital planning and projects. 

“Jenny joins Cranbrook at an important juncture as we continue to manifest our mission of challenging minds and transforming lives across all of our program areas,” Roche continued. “Her broad national experience and leadership in the nonprofit world will be vital as we take strategic steps to create unique and engaging educational experiences and provide ever-broadening access to art, science, and education, both on our campus and beyond.” 

“I am truly honored to join the Cranbrook Educational Community,” said Cederstrom. “As the incoming Chief Operating Officer I look forward to collaborating with all community members, contributing to a culture that values excellence in all program areas, stewarding a campus that inspires and supporting colleagues who make a lasting impact on generations to come.” 

Cederstrom holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Western Michigan University and a master’s in finance from Wayne State University. She is a certified public accountant (CPA) and has received numerous leadership accolades, including the 2011 Crain’s Business “40 under 40” award.