Port of Cleveland Recognized with Ohio Auditor’s Financial Excellence Award

Cleveland – October 16, 2023— The Port of Cleveland has been honored with the Ohio State Auditor’s Award for Financial Excellence, underscoring the agency’s robust financial health and exemplary management.

“This prestigious award validates the unwavering commitment, meticulous attention to detail, and fiscal responsibility exhibited by our dedicated financial team and leadership,” expressed Carl Naso, the Port’s chief financial officer. “I am exceptionally proud of my team, who consistently perform at the highest standard of financial reporting and accountable government.”

Board Chair J. Stefan Holmes said the award is a testament to Port staff. “We’re very pleased with this award because it shows our commitment to financial accountability, transparency and responsibility to the taxpayers.”

Naso noted that the Port has maintained a spotless audits for at least five consecutive years in the State of Ohio’s audits. This accomplishment signifies that the audit reports have consistently been free from any findings, management recommendations, internal control weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance (Single Audit) findings or questions regarding costs. Naso has been with the Port for the past six years.

Kathryn Semo, Northeast Regional Liaison, presented the award from Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber.

“There are not many entities that receive this award,’’ she said, noting that very few of the nearly 6,000 entities which are audited each year are eligible to be considered. “We are happy to have had the opportunity to come in person and present this Auditor of State award to the Port.”

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Left to right: Port Board Chairman Stefan Holmes, Carl Naso Port’s Chief Financial Officer, Kathryn Semo, Northeast Regional Liaison, Ohio Auditor of State and Port financial team Margaret Rivalsky, Renee Snipes and Rhonda Winslow. (missing is Justina Dugan).