Juanita Greene

First Church of God

Soft–spoken and petite in size, Juanita Cosper–Greene has the force of resolve to get even the most challenging job done. This 1968 Scott High Hall of Fame graduate and American National School of Banking graduate is one of ten children, seven  girls and three boys born to James Cosper and Katheryn Magaleno Cosper. She is the wife of Nathaniel Greene, Jr. They have a daughter Natalie and grand-daughter Natania.

Mrs. Greene, a diligent student of English, history, and math was a student aide in the office. While in high school, she was recruited for a new training program initiated by Toledo Trust Bank. She honed knowledge of bookkeeping and distribution, while realizing the effect of numbers on people’s lives, banking relations within different culture, and most important, developing good listening skills.

The only African-American in her department and the bank, a supervisor presumed to make derogatory statements to her. She followed the advice of her sister Doritha who was the bulwark of the family after the death of their father. “There are issues you tolerate and those you don’t. Recognize the difference and act according.” Moving forward Mrs. Greene was relentless in demanding that equal quality treatment be extended to all customers within that banking company regardless of economic status or ethnicity.

Mrs. Greene moved up through the ranks at Society Bank, now Key Bank, by the blessing of the Lord, working hard, and exhibiting integrity serving in the community on 30 organizational and governmental boards within the City of Toledo and Lucas County. As a loan officer she aided those previously marginalized to have access to opportunities to become home owners and business proprietors. She helped many African-American churches secure funding to buy, build, or upgrade their places of worship.

Her work in the Warren–Sherman Branch of Key Bank was significant in Toledo’s urban renewal in the 1970-1990s. As regional assistant manager, Mrs. Greene was responsible for the direction and oversight of eight branch offices with the Key system. Her goal was to make them all alike in providing services to their customers.

After 32 years she retired from Key Bank as assistant vice president. A woman with a purpose, Mrs. Greene did not retreat to rest. Rather she answered the calling to help her home town. Former Mayor Carty Finkbeiner hired Mrs. Greene, first as his housing commissioner, then economic development director before making her executive director of the Board of Community Relations. She was in this position from 2002 until her retirement October 30, 2010.

Mrs. Greene continues to volunteer her skills and knowledge to the community and now is a volunteer business administrator for First Church of God, and an indispensable member of the leadership of the Toledo Community Coalition.