Weatherhead's Christine Kush named 2026 Smart Women honoree

Christine Kush, associate dean of corporate partnerships and executive education at Weatherhead School of Management, has been named a 2026 Smart Women Award Honoree in the Progressive Woman category.

Presented by Smart Business Network, the Smart Women Awards celebrate women who are making a significant impact through leadership, innovation, mentorship and professional achievement. Kush was selected by an independent judging panel and was featured among this year's honorees in Smart Business Magazine.

In her role at Weatherhead, Kush leads efforts to build strategic partnerships between the school and the business community. She also expands executive education opportunities for organizations and leaders throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond. Her work helps connect academic expertise with real-world challenges, creating pathways for leadership development, workforce advancement and organizational growth.

Throughout her career, Kush has been recognized for her ability to cultivate meaningful relationships, develop innovative programs, and create opportunities that benefit both individuals and organizations. Her leadership has strengthened Weatherhead's engagement with corporate partners and reinforced the school's commitment to helping leaders navigate complex business challenges.

"At Weatherhead, we believe progress happens when talented people come together to tackle important challenges," said Andrew Medvedev, dean of Weatherhead School of Management. 

"Chris has spent her career creating those connections. She has strengthened our partnerships, expanded opportunities for executive learning, and helped extend the impact of the school far beyond our campus. This recognition is richly deserved."

The Smart Women recognition reflects not only Kush's professional accomplishments but also her ongoing commitment to supporting the success of others through collaboration, mentorship and partnership.