Audrey Gerlach, Vice President of Economic Development & Chief of Staff for Downtown Cleveland, Inc. is one of 30 industry professionals selected for the International Downtown Association’s (IDA) 2023 Emerging Leader Fellowship program. These senior staff members hail from 25 cities around North America, including Washington, DC; San Diego, CA; Moncton, NB; Davenport, IA; Cleveland, OH; Houston, TX; Denver, CO; and Winnipeg, MB. Alumni of the IDA Emerging Leader Fellowship program, launched in 2016, are fast becoming sought-after leaders for the future of city building worldwide. Gerlach has served the executive office of Downtown Cleveland, Inc. since 2019 and is responsible for coordinating economic development initiatives on behalf of the organization. Her team’s public policy advocacy and market research drive business attraction, real estate development, and investment to the core. Their focus is to strengthen Downtown Cleveland’s position as the region’s economic engine by expanding retail offerings, attracting office-based employers, and advancing visionary capital improvements.

With nearly three decades of industry experience, Principal of Vocon Design, Inc. Matt Heisey plays an integral role in securing and delivering many of Vocon’s most pivotal projects. His experience spans nearly every sector – including corporate headquarters, retail, industrial, residential, and civil – with projects throughout the nation. Matt engages his team with thoughtful communication, facilitating collaboration and teamwork that inspire outstanding solutions and exceptional service for each client. He acts as an integral resource for our team and has a proven track record of translating conceptual ideas into dynamic spaces that respond to client needs and exceed their expectations. Matt has dedicated his professional career to building a stronger and more sustainable community. He prides himself on the successes the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the US Green Building Coalition achieved during his tenure as an Executive Committee Member. As a member of the Board of Directors for Cleveland 2030 District, Matt works collaboratively to mitigate the impact of the built environment on climate change. He is also a member of the Kent State University College of Architecture and Environmental Design Advisory Board and a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2013. Matt is the embodiment of the term “team player” and his approach to management reflects his passion for sports, coaching, and mentorship. Our team often hears Matt quote Herb Brooks and other inspirational coaches as he advocates throughout the lifespan of a project. He is a father of two and balances his commitment to home-life, work-life, and passion for the outdoors seamlessly. Matt enjoys being outside and specifically the thrill of skiing and mountain biking.

Barry Guttman is a Partner in the Real Estate & Environmental Group at Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP. He represents national, regional and local developers, owners, operators, lenders and investors on a broad range of commercial real estate matters across all asset classes (industrial, multifamily, retail, hospitality, office and mixed use). These include acquisition, disposition, development and debt and equity financing of single assets, portfolios of assets and real estate companies; mortgage and mezzanine financing; joint venture agreements; and leasing. Barry is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Outside of work, Barry also serves and has served on several non-profit boards and committees, including the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Fuchs Mizrachi School. He is also a member of the Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2024 and participated in the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s LEAD cohort in 2020. Barry graduated from New York University in 2009 with a B.A. in Economics and Psychology and received his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2013.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE Steve joined CBRE in 2006. Prior to joining the company, Steve worked for a national real estate developer for six years in acquisitions, sales and development. He possesses a broad understanding and knowledge of commercial construction, having worked on numerous projects including office, manufacturing and medical buildings. Steve provides value-added services to his clients by utilizing his exceptional attention to detail and knowledge of the market help to put his clients in the best position to maximize the value of their commercial real estate. Whether a client needs to lease out or liquidate a current commercial property, or needs to acquire new property or lease additional space, Steve’s strong negotiating skills will assure every client the highest levels of service and satisfaction.