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.