Larese Purnell

LaRese Purnell has 18 years of experience in business management, tax, finance. He is the current one of the Founders and Managing Partner of CLE Consulting Firm an Accounting, Tax and Payroll company located in downtown Cleveland. He is a strong innovative financial and strategic leader with both instincts and intellect, a formidable combination in the business world. He has served in executive positions leading business and financial departments within multi-million dollar for profit and non-profit corporations.

LaRese received MBA in Finance from the University of Toledo. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Accountancy in Corporate Taxation from John Carroll University, with an expected completion date of August 2022. LaRese is committed to the community and its residents, so he serves on the following Board of Directors as the 2nd VP for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, The Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, Secretary of Cleveland Public Library Foundation, the Treasurer of the NAACP Cleveland Branch, USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation, and the Treasurer for Step Forward Today formerly (CEOGC).

He’s the author of Financial Foundations, Building Financial Freedom One Tool at a Time, where he uses everyday language to address the most fundamental questions people have about money. He has traveled to over 35-40 cities nationally to teach financial literacy at various conventions, seminars, colleges and universities and various other events. He also created an organization called, The Real Black Friday, where its purpose has been to bring awareness to, create educational and collaborative opportunities for hundreds of small black owned businesses. He has been featured in various local and national publications and has appeared on multiple radio and television programs discussing various Financial matters. He has received various awards including the Smart 50 Business award, Crain’s Business 40 under 40, Cleveland Magazine’s Most Interesting People and various other recognitions. Outside of work, LaRese stays busy spending time with his spouse Rashaunda, his son (Gaven) and daughter (Gabbi), playing sports and traveling.