In December, the Cuyahoga Land Bank said goodbye to long-time team member Cheryl Stephens, who steps into the top position at the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp. in January.  Stephens has served as Director of Acquisitions, Dispositions and Development for the Cuyahoga Land Bank since its formation in 2009.

“Under Cheryl’s direction, the Acquisitions, Dispositions and Development team has had a tremendous impact on the elimination of blight and neighborhood stabilization in our community,” says Gus Frangos, President and General Counsel of the Cuyahoga Land Bank. “When we began, it was estimated there were between 17,000 – 22,000 homes in need of demolition in Cuyahoga County.  Under Cheryl’s direction, today that number is between 6,000-7,500.  That’s quite an accomplishment.”

“It has been a tremendous opportunity to serve in a leadership role at the Cuyahoga Land Bank since its inception,” says Stephens.  “I am very proud at what we have been able to accomplish over the past nine years and I think that is a testament to the quality and dedication of the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s staff.

“I’m looking forward to an exciting opportunity to lead EANDC as its next Chief Executive Officer,” says Stephens, whose background also includes work in the City of Cleveland’s Department of Economic Development, the Cuyahoga County Department of Development, and Cleveland Heights Department of Planning and Development.  “It will give me the opportunity to spend a significant amount of my time on the part of economic and community development I love the best, real estate redevelopment!  EANDC has been responsible for housing and commercial development projects in both Summit and Stark Counties and my new staff and I will be working to build on that great history of success with new projects.”

“We will certainly miss Cheryl, but we know she will be a tremendous asset to EANDC,” says Frangos.

The Cuyahoga Land Bank is currently interviewing candidates for a new Director of Community Stabilization.