Elmer J. Whiting Jr. (Cleveland-Marshall Class of 1955) was a pioneering attorney-CPA whose trailblazing career expanded opportunities in both the legal and accounting professions. In 1950, he became the first African American Certified Public Accountant in Ohio. After earning his law degree from Cleveland-Marshall in 1955, he became one of the nation’s earliest African American attorney-CPAs. In 1971, he achieved another historic milestone as the first Black partner at Ernst & Ernst (now Ernst & Young).

Elmer’s influence extended far beyond his own professional accomplishments. In 1980, he served as President of the American Association of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants (AAA-CPA), helping to shape the profession on a national level. Colleagues remembered him not only for his excellence, but also for his generosity as a mentor who opened “doors we did not know were closed” and removed obstacles “we did not know were there.” His commitment to service was equally evident through his leadership with the Eliza Bryant Center, Cleveland Play House, Karamu House, and Blacks in Management.

At the heart of Elmer’s life was his family. He was devoted to his wife, Carmel Whiting, and their sons, Elmer III (Jerry), David, and Steven. His legacy lives on through the generations of professionals he inspired, the institutions he strengthened, and the enduring contributions of the Whiting family. Elmer Whiting’s life remains a testament to excellence, integrity, and the enduring power of opening doors for others.