CLEVELAND – September 2, 2025 – The Port of Cleveland’s board of directors has selected 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 the Port’s strategic priorities.  Epstein will start in his new role on October 15. 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. “Jeff’s proven track record—from 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.”

Epstein most recently served as the City of Cleveland’s Chief of Integrated Development, where he oversees four departments and nearly 300 staff advancing Mayor 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.

• Highlights of Epstein’s recent work include:
• Strategic Financing & Development: Spearheading creation of the Shore-to-Core-to-Shore TIF to fund over $3 billion in redevelopment and the forthcoming $100 million+ East Side Neighborhood TIF.
• Complex Project Leadership: Directing $175 million of the City’s ARPA portfolio, launching new funds for site readiness, housing, and placemaking.
• Economic Vitality & Job Creation: Co-designing the Cleveland ERA 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 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.”

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. 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.

Wondolowski praised Gutheil’s leadership: “Dave has been a stellar interim leader and an invaluable partner in this transition. His expertise and dedication to maritime operations remain a driving force behind the Port’s success.”

Epstein was identified through a comprehensive national search. His appointment reflects the Port Authority’s commitment to leveraging its financing tools and maritime operations to accelerate growth, sustainability, and innovation across Northeast Ohio.

About the Port of Cleveland
The Port of Cleveland is an economic engine for Northeast Ohio, driving job creation, global competitiveness, and waterfront vitality. As one of the largest ports on the Great Lakes, the Port connects our region to world markets through maritime trade, innovative development finance, and critical infrastructure projects.

Each year, roughly 13 million tons of cargo move through Cleveland Harbor, supporting more than 23,000 jobs and generating over $7 billion in economic impact. The Port of Cleveland is the only local government agency solely dedicated to spurring economic growth in Cuyahoga County—building a stronger economy, a more resilient waterfront, and a brighter future for our community.

CLEVELAND, OH — The Port of Cleveland is proud to announce a significant milestone in the ongoing Irishtown Bend Hill Stabilization Project. On July 9, 2025, the final pipe pile — number 203 — was successfully installed, marking the completion of a critical phase in securing one of Cleveland’s most unstable riverfront hillsides.

For decades, the Irishtown Bend hillside has posed a serious threat to the Cuyahoga River’s navigational channel and to the many industries and jobs that rely on it. Problems with the hillside have been documented for over 40 years, with movement accelerating in recent years. A 2019 inspection by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District revealed significant hillside displacement over a six-month period, underscoring the urgent need for action.

Since 2010, the Port of Cleveland, as the local sponsor for Cleveland Harbor and the Cuyahoga River Federal Navigation Channel, has been working in collaboration with city leaders, economic stakeholders, and river-dependent industries to develop and implement a long-term stabilization strategy. The $65 million stabilization effort was made possible through a combination of state capital funding, local support, and federal coordination.

The bulkhead wall — a vital component of the stabilization system — is composed of pipe piles, sheet metal panels, hillside anchors set at 45-degree angles, and stone backfill. The completion of pipe pile driving represents a monumental achievement in the project’s timeline. Approximately 75% of the hillside anchors have also been installed, with crews working day and night for several months to safely reach this point.

“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our contractors, engineers, and project teams who have worked tirelessly to protect Cleveland’s working waterfront and the businesses that depend on it,” said Linda Sternheimer, Senior VP of Urban Planning  and Engagement, for the Port of Cleveland. “Stabilizing Irishtown Bend is vital not only for maintaining maritime traffic on the Cuyahoga River but for ensuring the economic security of thousands of local jobs.”

The stabilization project protects the river channel that is essential for industry leaders like Cleveland-Cliffs, one of the most productive steelmaking facilities in the world, and dozens of other businesses that rely on marine shipping access to receive raw materials and move goods.

As the Port celebrates this significant step, work continues to complete the remaining anchors and other stabilization components.

The Irishtown Bend hillside stretches from West 25th Street between the Superior Viaduct and Columbus Road and is a central focus of ongoing riverfront redevelopment and green space planning efforts for the city.

About the Port of Cleveland
The Port of Cleveland drives job creation and economic vitality in Northeast Ohio by connecting the region to global markets through its maritime operations, development finance initiatives, and waterfront infrastructure projects.

For more information, please contact:
Kierra Cotton

216-377-1343

Kierra.Cotton@portofcleveland.com

CLEVELAND – July 10, 2025 – A $4 million construction contract to extend the life of the Port’s current dredge repository was approved yesterday by the Port board of directors.

The contract with Mark Haynes Construction, Inc., will extend the life of a dredge sediment repository north of Burke Lakefront Airport through 2029. The Port funding is expected to be paid back over time through tipping fees to dredging contractors, which are under contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Port’s Sediment Processing and Management Facility is the only facility permitted to receive the 250,000 cubic yards of sediment dredged each year from the Cleveland Harbor and Cuyahoga River, an action which keeps shipping lanes open. At the facility, the Port beneficially harvests and recycles much of the dredge material.

Bids from two contractors were received for the work. The Mark Haynes bid was deemed the lowest responsive and responsible bid.

“This will buy us time until CHEERS is permitted and that area is ready to accept dredged sediment,” said Matt Wenham, Chief of Engineering & Capital Development at the Port.

CHEERS — the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy — is, a bold initiative to reshape Cleveland’s East Side waterfront. The project will repurpose sediment dredged from the Cuyahoga River to create a resilient shoreline that protects vital infrastructure while expanding public access to Lake Erie.

CLEVELAND – July 10, 2025 – The Port of Cleveland board of directors today approved the allocation of $260,000 in Community Investment Fund (CIF) grants to help support seven local organizations advancing education, historic preservation and maritime access across the community.

“These awards reflect our deep commitment to investing in people and places that shape a stronger, more inclusive future for our region,” said David Gutheil, Interim CEO of the Port of Cleveland. “Each selected project aligns with the Port’s mission to drive economic vitality while strengthening the communities we serve.”

Established in 2018, the Community Investment Fund sets aside 10% of Port development finance revenues annually to support nonprofit-led initiatives that align with the Port’s values – especially around workforce readiness, sustainability, and equitable development. To date, the fund has invested over $500,000 in community grants to community-based organizations throughout Cuyahoga County.

The Port issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) on May 15 and received 17 qualified proposals. Following an in-depth evaluation of the proposals, the CIF committee has recommended funding the following organizations for the following reasons:

Teaching Cleveland / $50,000: For the support of the refinement of our Fresh Water Institute Year 1 experience, as well as the onboarding and engagement of a new cohort of students. The Fresh Water Institute (FWI) is an interdisciplinary, two-year program designed for Northeast Ohio area high school students to delve into the critical importance of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes to our region. Through rigorous summer field research and capstone projects, fellows will develop a comprehensive understanding of the water cycle, its impact on our communities, and the complex environmental and social issues surrounding this essential resource.

· Great Lakes Science Center / $50,000: To support maritime-focused programming and operational activities for the Centennial Celebration of the Steamship William G. Mather including mobile maritime outreach and interactive Great Lakes history exhibits.

· Cleveland Restoration Society / $50,000: To recapitalize its Historic Properties Fund to enable strategic investments in Cleveland properties it currently owns or might own in the near future. These properties include eight houses on Newton Avenue (Hough neighborhood), the Dall-Mays Houses on E. 46th Street (Central neighborhood), and the Jesse Owens Family Home (Fairfax neighborhood). Investments in these properties would be transformational for the subject property and for the surrounding area.

· Cleveland Rowing Foundation / $35,000: To hire a Row Cleveland community engagement coach focused on expanding rowing and river access to underserved neighborhoods.

· Baldwin Wallace University / $30,000: To fund the “Mobile Wave Tank for Marine Technology Outreach” to design and build a demonstration scale (approximately two-meter length) wave tank for education and outreach. The key applications of this project will focus on ocean exploration, aquaculture, marine transportation and desalination (alternative fuels).

· Economic & Community Development Institute / $25,000: To support training and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

· Elements of Internal Movement / $20,000: To fund community outreach coordinators and educators to assist with programming that hires youth through funding provided by Ohio Means Jobs for a structured, hyper-localized, experiential internship experience.

CLEVELAND – July 10, 2025 – The Port of Cleveland board of directors today approved bonds for five major development projects across the region. The total project costs equate to more than $405 million.

These projects are expected to generate $2.9 million in fees for the Port, of which $290,000 will go to the Port’s Community Investment Fund, which reinvests 10% of development finance revenues into neighborhood and workforce development.

The five developments include the transformation of the former Lakewood Hospital site into a new residential and retail hub, a large mixed-use project in Berea adjacent to the Cleveland Browns training facility, and new housing in Gordon Square and on Cleveland’s West side.

“Together, these projects represent continued momentum for job creation, housing expansion and neighborhood investment,” said David Gutheil, Interim President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland.

The approved projects are:

• Lakewood Common in Lakewood: Bell Avenue Partners will construct a mixed-use community at 14501 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood, at the former site of the Cleveland Clinic Lakewood Hospital. Construction is expected to start this month on the $113.36 million project, which is getting up to $75 million in lease revenue bonds via the Port. The project will include 293 multifamily housing units, retail/office space, a 536-space parking garage, 31 surface parking spaces and a new plaza space.

• 6400 Herman Avenue in Cleveland’s Gordon Square: This $31.96 million project involves demolishing an existing vacant industrial building at 6400 Herman Ave. in Cleveland’s Gordon Square neighborhood and constructing a four-story, 128-unit apartment building along with 129 parking spaces. The rents will be market rate.

• Cross Country Mortgage Campus in Berea: Up to $95 million in taxable bonds for Cross Country Mortgage Campus in Berea, on property around the Cleveland Browns current practice facility and team headquarters. The $151.1 million mixed-used project will include a 145 room Marriott hotel, about 160 apartments, and office and retail space centered around a 7,000 seat community field/stadium with about 950 parking spaces. The project is planned by DiGeronimo Companies Berea Development, LLC, which is partnering with HSG Berea Development, an affiliate of Haslam Sports Group. Construction is expected to start this month.

• Bell Oaks Marketplace in Richmond Heights: This project is part of a $285 million development at the former Richmond Town Square Mall site. The board approved up to $20 million in taxable lease revenue bonds for a $20.6 million multi-family residential three floor apartment building, with ground floor retail. Construction is expected to start later in the year.

• Watterson Lake Apartments in Cleveland: Up to $35 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds were approved for this new mixed-use affordable housing development by Bridging the Gap Development (BTG) at West 74th Street and Detroit Avenue. The $88.2 million project will include 136 units ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments, all affordable to households earning 80% or less of the area median income. Thirty units will be under CMHA project-based voucher contracts. The building will feature 9,100 square feet of retail, a playground, and community meeting space. BTG, led by emerging developer Derrick Tillman, was selected by Enterprise Community Partners as part of its Equitable Path Forward initiative. Last month, the board took a non-binding action on the project for it to acquire Low Income Housing Tax Credits.

“The Port of Cleveland is proud to assist in the development of these five transitional projects in our region,” said Carl Naso, Port Chief Financial Officer.

Since 1993, the Port of Cleveland has provided over $5.4 billion in financing for close to 200 projects across Cuyahoga County and beyond, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic transformation. The Port’s financing initiatives have consistently catalyzed growth, revitalized communities, and strengthened Northeast Ohio’s economic foundation. As demand for these services continues to rise, the Port remains a driving force behind strategic development that shapes the region’s future

CLEVELAND — June 23, 2025 — The Port of Cleveland has signed a strategic agreement with Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), Ireland’s second-largest port operator, to strengthen trade ties and unlock new business and economic opportunities between the Great Lakes region and Europe.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) builds on the longstanding historical and economic connections between the U.S. and Ireland. It aims to grow transatlantic commerce, attract new investment, and offer companies on both sides of the ocean a faster, greener, and more efficient alternative to traditional coastal shipping routes.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) is built on the strong historical ties between the Great Lakes Region and the West of Ireland. As evidenced by earlier shipping as part of the Cleveland-Europe Express, the Port of Cleveland is strategically located to provide direct access to the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, a $6 trillion regional economy.

“What makes this partnership especially powerful is the unique positioning of our two ports,” said David Gutheil, Interim President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland. “Together we provide access to two huge international markets that present enormous opportunity for business development. In signing this MOU, we want to explore every opportunity to strengthen that connection and drive business development on both sides of the Atlantic. We’re genuinely really excited about what’s ahead and confident in the mutually benefits this collaboration can deliver.”

Shannon Foynes is located on the Shannon Estuary, one of Europe’s deepest natural harbors and adjacent to the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The port is strategically positioned as a key cost effective and efficient European gateway for transatlantic trade.

Both ports offer cost-effective, multimodal access to major commercial and industrial markets, providing a unique value proposition to companies seeking faster, greener and more reliable alternatives to traditional coastal shipping routes. The move is very much in keeping with U.S.-Irish trade relations as it seeks to support and promote international trade between the two.

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said: “The partnership between the Port of Cleveland and Ireland’s Shannon Foynes Port is an exciting development for Cuyahoga County.

“The agreement will open new opportunities to grow our economy, attract investment, and enhance our global trade connections,” he continued. “By strengthening our international relationships, we’re helping local businesses reach new markets and bringing long-term economic benefits to our communities.”

Patrick Keating, Shannon Foynes’ Port CEO added; “This MOU reflects the ambition of Shannon Foynes Port. “While we provide critical access for trade to and from Ireland, we are also a key gateway into and out of Europe for transatlantic trade. That is what essentially underpins this agreement with the Port of Cleveland as we will together seek to advance the enormous, each-way trade opportunity from this global trade crossroad. We look forward to working with the Port of Cleveland, which has similar ambition and values to us, to explore the full breadth of these opportunities for the greater good of our respective organizations and communities we serve.”

About the Port of Cleveland

The Port Authority was established in 1968 with a mission which includes collaborating with government and private partners to assist private industry in retaining and creating jobs through the provision of access to waterborne transportation facilities. The Port Authority in 2014 initiated the Cleveland-Europe Express, which was and is a transformative service that reintroduced container service in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway. The Port is instrumental in promoting waterborne trade in northeast Ohio, and whose harbor moves over 13 million metric tons of global cargo annually. The Port’s local benefits include supporting over 23,000 jobs and provides an economic benefit of more than $7.0 billion.

About SFPC

Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) (www.sfpc.ie) is the second largest Irish Port Operator handling in excess of eleven million tonnes of solid and liquid cargo annually through the six terminals currently operational within the Shannon Estuary. The Company is Ireland’s largest bulk port company, having a 61% share of the market. The recently launched Irish National Ports Policy defines Shannon Foynes Port Company as a Port of National Significance (Tier 1). Shannon Foynes Port Company is a Commercial Semi State Port. It has statutory jurisdiction over all marine activities on a 500km2 area on the Shannon Estuary, stretching from Kerry/Loop Heads to Limerick City.