DCA Introduces New Identity, Board Structure, Chairs, and Officers

At the 2023 Ruth Ratner Miller Awards, Downtown Cleveland Alliance announced a series of changes to its organization, including the new name and logo of its parent organization; a revamped board structure; and updated chair and officer positions.

Now known as Downtown Cleveland, Inc., the new brand was unveiled via the organization’s annual video and is designed to reflect a unified vision for Downtown Cleveland the place, Downtown Cleveland the organization, and Downtown Cleveland the people. 

“We are the only organization solely focused on strengthening and building Downtown, from sidewalk to skyline and everything in between,” said Downtown Cleveland, Inc. President and CEO Michael Deemer. “Our name, brand, and structure now accurately represent who we are and what we do. We lead efforts to accelerate engagement in Downtown’s environment, economy, and experience. We get stuff done.”

Deemer noted that these changes are the result of extensive research, stakeholder feedback, and priorities identified in Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. They also align with and support the launch of Reimagining Downtown Cleveland. Downtown Cleveland, Inc., along with the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and community partners, recently introduced this series of short- and intermediate-term strategies to accelerate the evolution of Downtown Cleveland from a 9-to-5 central business district into a diverse, vibrant, and accessible mixed-use, 18-hour, 15-minute neighborhood.

Introducing Downtown Cleveland, Inc.

“We’ve built a family of organizations, under a cohesive brand umbrella tailormade to carry out our vision of Downtown Cleveland as the hub of an inclusive, global city and a welcoming beacon of talent that weaves Downtown districts and surrounding neighborhoods into a seamless urban fabric,” noted Deemer. 

The new Downtown Cleveland, Inc. logo evokes the shape of a map pin for placemaking and a stylized "D" for Downtown itself. Its colors are inspired by the city’s vibrancy and diversity, iconic sunsets and lakefront, and beloved sports teams.  

Downtown Cleveland, Inc. serves as the parent organization and executive board, leading strategy, advocacy, and planning. It is comprised of officers from Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation and Downtown Cleveland Alliance; Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s Racial, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair; and at large community leaders. 

  • Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation is the property owner engagement arm that governs the Downtown Special Improvement District.   

  • Downtown Cleveland Alliance is the community engagement arm that raises philanthropic and corporate support for place enhancement, economic development, and social service initiatives.  

  •  The Warehouse District and Gateway District are the historic preservation affiliates.  

 The Downtown Cleveland, Inc. family of organizations is served by a single unified staff and integrated committees. 

Board Chairs and Officers

Board leadership is made up of Downtown community leaders, business owners, property owners, and residents. Each board member has demonstrated a commitment to Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s mission to attract talent, jobs, residents, and investment through market influence, community impact, and irresistible experiences. 

Key Appointments Include: 

  • Chair: Karen Fanger, President and COO, K&D Group 

    Vice Chair: Melissa Ferchill, President, MCM Company 

    Secretary: Dr. Laura Bloomberg, President, Cleveland State University 

    Treasurer: Eric Tolbert, Owner, Eric Tolbert & Associates 

  • Chair: Tom Coyne, Real Estate Practice Group Leader, Thompson Hine 

    Vice Chair: Doug Price, CEO, K&D Group 

    Treasurer: Deb Janik, Senior Vice President for Real Estate Development, Bedrock Cleveland) 

    Secretary: Antonin Robert, President for Community Development, GBX 

  • Chair: Rob Falls, Chairman and CEO, Falls & Co. 

    Vice Chair: Jonathan Sandvick, President, Sandvick Architects  

    Vice Chair: Teresa Metcalf Beasley, Public Practice Chair, McDonald Hopkins 

    Treasurer: Jeff Patterson, CEO & Safety Director, Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority  

    Secretary: India Birdsong Terry, General Manager and CEO, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority 

“I am honored to serve as board chair of Downtown Cleveland, Inc. to help advance economic development, place enhancement, and safety in our city’s core,” said Karen Fanger, President and COO of K&D Group. "This organization has a long history of success in leading the charge for Downtown, and I look forward to continued collaboration with the staff, my fellow board members, and the community to further this work.”

Ruth Ratner Miller Awards

In keeping with the theme of championing the future of Downtown, the 2023 Ruth Ratner Miller Awards served as more than just a catalyst for Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s rebranding. The event also honored those who have made significant contributions to Downtown Cleveland – much like the late Ruth Ratner Miller herself, a civic leader and lifelong advocate of Cleveland and its people. 

 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award 

  • Eric Gordon, Chief Executive Officer, Cleveland Metropolitan School District 

Green + Clean Award  

  • Robert Tucker, Third District Commander, Cleveland Division of Police  

  • Michael Sering, Vice President of Housing and Shelter, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry   

Power of Place Award  

  • Graffiti HeArt 

  • Skylight Park at Tower City Center  

  • The Flats Platform Tennis Center 

  • Towpath Trailhead at Canal Basin Park 

Downtown Cleveland Business of the Year  

  • AMS 

  • Armando’s Barbershop

  • Lulo Kitchen + Lulo Café   

  • Oswald Companies   

Downtown Cleveland Champion of the Year  

  • Cathy Carlson Klemencic, Downtown Cleveland Resident  

  • Brian Horsburgh, Spindrift Management  

  • Sara Continenza, Food Strong 

Downtown Cleveland Catalyst of the Year   

  • CrossCountry Mortgage

  • Greater Cleveland Sports Commission   

  • Rugby Real Estate   

 

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