Rita McNeil Danish currently leads Signal Ohio as its CEO, a pivotal role in a nonprofit media organization dedicated to fostering civic and community engagement through community-centered journalism. Her leadership is instrumental in the establishment of newsrooms throughout the State of Ohio, aiming to fulfill the organization’s mission of providing quality, unbiased news and information to all Ohioans.
Prior to joining Signal Ohio, McNeil Danish brought with her an extensive background of over 30 years in the legal field, spanning various industries and business sectors. Her career included serving as a Magistrate and Judge in Columbus Ohio, Section Chief for the Ohio Attorney General’s Civil Rights Section and a Partner at Taft Law in both Chicago and Columbus. Ohio. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equity was further demonstrated in her capacity as City Attorney for both Dayton and Cincinnati Ohio, where she was instrumental in implementing significant police reforms through a landmark memorandum of agreement with the Department of Justice.
Throughout her career, McNeil Danish has been recognized nationally for her leadership skills and her profound impact on community. She is equally adept at combining her legal acumen, budgetary leadership, and business management to deliver strategies and vision that transform businesses. This unique set of skills is why she is often sought after to contribute to boards including her previous 5-year term appointment on the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. She is currently the immediate past chair of the National Board for WELD (Women for Economic and Leadership Development) and serves on the board of the the National Civic League, while previously serving on the on the Boards of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and Women’s Small Business Accelerator.
McNeil Danish was a Best Lawyers in America Honoree, Who’s Who in Cleveland Honoree and was a cover feature for Columbus Monthly.