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The Port of Cleveland announced today that it has nominated Jeff Epstein to serve as its next president and chief executive officer, pending formal board approval. Epstein brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of economic development, public-private partnerships, and transformative urban investment.
Board Chair Dave Wondolowski said Epstein brings the vision, experience, and leadership needed to advance strategic priorities at the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority. Epstein will start in his new role on Oct. 15. Additionally, Dave Gutheil, the port’s chief commercial officer, has been promoted to chief operating officer.
“This is one of the most significant leadership roles in our region — overseeing maritime operations, innovative financing, and complex development projects that shape our economy and our waterfront,” Wondolowski said in a written statement.
“Jeff’s proven track record — rom pioneering the Shore-to-Core-to-Shore financing strategy, to leading complex projects, to creating innovative development tools — makes him uniquely qualified to guide the port into its next chapter,” Wondolowski continued.
Epstein most recently served as the city of Cleveland’s chief of integrated development, where he oversees four departments and a staff of nearly 300 people, advancing Mayor Justin Bibb’s vision for economic growth and community revitalization.
In this role, he has been deeply engaged in projects central to the port’s mission: implementing new financing tools, driving catalytic real estate and infrastructure investment, and launching the North Coast Waterfront Development Authority.
Tom McNair was named today by Mayor Justin Bibb to replace Epstein as chief of integrated development. In this position, McNair will oversee the strategic alignment of the City’s Economic Development, Planning, Building and Housing, and Community Development departments.
Assistant Director of Economic Development Joevrose Bourdeau Small was promoted to replace McNair as director of economic development, elevating her to lead the city’s business support, investment attraction and job creation strategy.
Highlights of Epstein’s recent work include:
- Strategic Financing & Development: Spearheading creation of the Shore-to-Core-to-Shore tax increment financing (TIF) to fund over $3 billion in redevelopment and a forthcoming $100 million+ East Side Neighborhood TIF.
- Complex Project Leadership: Directing $175 million of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding portfolio, launching new funds for site readiness, housing and placemaking.
- Economic Vitality & Job Creation: Co-designing the Cleveland Economic Resurgence Action strategy, a blueprint for industrial revival, neighborhood vibrancy, and municipal innovation.
- Collaborative, Results-Driven Leadership: Building integrated teams, aligning stakeholders across sectors, and leading organizational change with transparency.
The port is a joint city-county board formed in 1968 to operate the Port of Cleveland. But it, like other port authority’s in Ohio, have seen their powers expanded by state law to include other transportation infrastructure jurisdictions and development financing tools.
“The port is more than a gateway for ships and cargo — it can and should be a gateway to new jobs, thriving neighborhoods, global connections, and a waterfront that is a source of pride for every resident.” Epstein said.
“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity and look forward to working with the board, staff, and our many partners to use the Port’s tools to catalyze jobs, investment, and shared prosperity across our region,” he added.
Prior to joining the city of Cleveland, Epstein served as executive director of MidTown Cleveland Inc. and the Cleveland Health Tech Corridor, and as vice president of development for The Coral Company. At MidTown Cleveland, he began an effort to redevelop the intersection of Euclid Avenue and East 55th Street but it stopped when he left to work for the city.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy studies from Duke University and a law degree from Georgetown University. In 2018, he was named Smart Business Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year.
Epstein succeeds William Friedman, who left in December and was replaced by Dave Gutheil on an interim basis. Gutheil, who joined the port in 2010 as vice president of maritime and logistics, has served as chief commercial officer since 2018 and now advances to chief operating officer.
“Dave has been a stellar interim leader and an invaluable partner in this transition,” Wondolowski said. “His expertise and dedication to maritime operations remain a driving force behind the port’s success.”
Epstein was identified through a comprehensive national search. Port officials said his appointment reflects the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority’s commitment to leveraging its financing tools and maritime operations to accelerate growth, sustainability, and innovation across Northeast Ohio.
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