Jeff Epstein is the President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland, where he leads the maritime and economic development finance work of one of the largest ports on the Great Lakes. The Port of Cleveland is a vital economic engine for Northeast Ohio, connecting the region to global markets through its strategic location on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. As a key hub for international and domestic shipping, the Port handles millions of tons of cargo annually—supporting over 23,000 jobs and generating more than $7 billion in economic impact each year. Beyond its maritime operations, the Port drives economic development, sustainable infrastructure investment, and public financing for projects that strengthen communities, create jobs, and grow the regional economy. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of economic development, public-private partnerships, and transformative urban investment, Jeff brings a strategic and collaborative approach to driving regional growth. Before joining the Port, Jeff served as Chief of Integrated Development for the City of Cleveland, where he advanced equitable community and economic development across the city. He oversaw the departments of Planning, Economic Development, Community Development, and Building & Housing, and played a key role in implementing Mayor Justin Bibb’s priorities. His efforts focused on breaking down bureaucratic silos, driving inclusive growth, launching new financing tools, and catalyzing real estate and infrastructure investments—including the creation of the North Coast Waterfront Development Authority. Previously, Jeff served as Executive Director of MidTown Cleveland, a nonprofit economic and community development organization, and as Director of the Cleveland Health-Tech Corridor, where he worked to attract and grow health-tech and high-tech businesses. In these roles, he led strategic marketing, neighborhood redevelopment, business attraction, and community engagement initiatives. During his seven-year tenure at MidTown and the Health-Tech Corridor, the area experienced more than $230 million in transformative real estate development. Notable projects included the Dave’s Markets grocery store, The Cleveland Foundation headquarters, MAGNET’s new headquarters, and several mixed-income housing developments. Jeff holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.S. in Public Policy Studies from Duke University. He began his legal career clerking for Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Andrew is a seasoned leader and expert in real estate development, asset management, and housing policy, with extensive experience across private, public, and nonprofit sectors. While serving at the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, he led statewide housing policy initiatives and provided consultation on federal policies, resulting in the allocation of over $1 billion in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, loans, and other flexible financing sources. Known for his ability to bring diverse organizations and teams together, Andrew has a proven track record of securing over $2.5 billion in financing for multifamily housing projects across 26 states, supporting the acquisition, development, and preservation of critical housing. His policy interests are rooted in creating inclusive housing options for all incomes and populations, fostering community and economic development through place-based initiatives, and helping to create innovative financing tools for real estate.