Draft:Umberto P. Fedeli

Umberto P. Fedeli, a first-generation Italian American Catholic from Cleveland, Ohio, is the Founder, President, and CEO of The Fedeli Group, one of the largest privately held risk management and insurance firms in Ohio. Actively engaged in the greater Cleveland community, Fedeli participates in charitable, political, and civic initiatives. In addition to his work in insurance, he is an avid investor across public equities, private equity, banking, and other sectors.

Early Life

Fedeli was born in 1960 in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood. to Italian immigrant parents. Raised in South Euclid, Ohio, he is the eldest of three siblings. Fedeli graduated from St. Gregory the Great School, St. Joseph’s High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from John Carroll University.

Career

Early Years: At 19, while attending John Carroll University, Fedeli began his career in commercial insurance. By 1982, upon graduation, he co-founded a commercial property and casualty insurance agency, which eventually evolved into The Fedeli Group.

The Fedeli Group (TFG): Since 1982, Fedeli has served as President and CEO of The Fedeli Group. Today, TFG stands as one of Ohio’s largest privately held risk management and insurance firms, specializing in risk management, employee benefit consulting, surety, and other lines.

Other Ventures: Fedeli has made significant investments in public and private banks and co-founded Strategic Value Bank Partners (SVBP). He is also a co-founder of Virtera Partners, a private equity alternative platform, and has held positions on various private, public, and non-profit boards.

Awards & Recognition

• 1991: Named to Crain’s Cleveland Business “40 Under 40” list.
• 1994: Weatherhead 100 Award winner, recognizing one of the fastest-growing businesses in Northeast Ohio.
• 1998:
  • Inducted as Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem by the Holy See.
  • Inducted into Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School Hall of Fame.
• 2002:
  • Received multiple “Man of the Year” honors from Boys' Town of Italy, Americans of Italian Heritage, and the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
  • Awarded the Columbian Award by the Italian Federation.
  • Named Officer of the Year by Legatus.
• 2003:
  • Awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the Ellis Island Honors Society.
  • Recognized as “Persons of the Year” by the Christ Child Society of Cleveland.
  • Named one of John Carroll University’s Fifty of Its Finest.
  • Received the Norman Cohn Hope Award for philanthropy by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  • Grand Illusion Award from the Ohio Cancer Research Associates.
• 2005-2007: Named one of Cleveland’s “most powerful” figures in business, community, and politics by Inside Business.
• 2009: Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award from National Philanthropy Day on behalf of Cleveland Clinic.
• 2010: Inducted into the Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame by Inside Business.
• 2014: Honored as a “Smart 50” by Smart Business Magazine.
• 2015: Received the Family Business Achievement Award by Smart Business and Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C).
• 2016:
  • Named a Distinguished Fellow by Cleveland Clinic
  • Inducted into the 1921 Society, Cleveland Clinic's highest benefactor circle (which honors those who have made extraordinary contributions of services and resources to the Cleveland Clinic).
• 2017: Ranked #14 on Northeast Ohio’s Power 100 list by Cleveland Magazine.
• 2020:
  • Pillar Award for Community Service – Northeast Ohio; awarded Philanthropist of the Year by Smart Business and Medical Mutual.
• 2021:
  • Smart Culture Award Honoree by Alliance Solutions Group and Smart Business
  • Received the John Carroll Alumni Medal, recognizing professional accomplishments, community contributions, and service to John Carroll University.
• 2022: Honored at Cleveland Clinic Children's Derby Day Soiree with a lobby named in recognition, the Maryellen and Umberto Fedeli Family Lobby.
• 2023: Inducted into the Smart Business Dealmakers Inaugural Hall of Fame
• 2024: Honored as one of the Cleveland 500, celebrating influential leaders in the Cleveland area.

Community Involvement

Fedeli is actively involved in political, civic, and community activities, with a focus on the Italian Catholic community. He co-founded and chairs the Northern Ohio Italian American Foundation, serves as a distinguished fellow on the board of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and is an honorary member of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. He founded Cleveland’s Legatus chapter and served on its international board. Fedeli is a former member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), World Presidents’ Organization, and a member of the 50 Club. Recognitions include knighthood in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem by the Holy See and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Personal Life

Fedeli met his wife, Maryellen, in high school, and they married in 1984. Together, they raised five children and are now grandparents to thirteen grandchildren. They reside in Gates Mills, Ohio. Known for his hospitality, Fedeli hosts daily luncheons at The Fedeli Group and organizes large events to facilitate meaningful connections. He frequently writes about business, investment, and life advice.