We are passionate about developing a love of place.
We are passionate about developing a love of place – a love that respects all people, is rooted in history, is informed by evidence, and celebrates the abilities of all people to maximize their lives in their community.
Team
Patte Bettis-Eddie
Program Developer/Facilitator
Favorite Cleveland moment and why?
I love having all four seasons – often, all four in one week! I have to admit I love the Cuyahoga River burning stories.
Gretchen Blackwell
Marketing Director
What is your favorite Cleveland moment?
As a recent Cleveland transplant, I’d say my personal favorite moment would be a Guardians game I attended the game with a group of my friends last summer. It was a perfectly Cleveland night!
Pam Crossman
Program Developer/Facilitator
What is your favorite thing about being from Cleveland?
I love being part of a hardworking community with amazing food, renown arts and culture, freshwater access, and so many cool things to do and see.
Greg Deegan
Executive Director
Ext. 1001
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Cleveland area?
Just about everything in University Circle – from the museums, to Wade Oval Wednesdays, there’s an energy and excitement there year-round.
Jen Forshey
Program Developer/Facilitator
What are you most proud of as a Clevelander?
Our love of the lake and our desire to take care of it.
Sally Hirsh
Program Coordinator
If Cleveland was a famous actor, who would it be?
Paul Newman of course! He's cool and tough and kind and of course good looking - just like Cleveland.
Erika Hood
Program Developer/Facilitator
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Cleveland area?
The Cleveland Air Show! I love sharing that moment with my family, especially my Uncle, an Army veteran!
Andréas Kolaczko
Program Developer/Facilitator
What are you most proud of as a Clevelander?
I love all of the work being done by individuals that is continuously trying to make a better community for everyone living here.
Bri Lazarchik
Curriculum Director
Ext. 1003
What are you most proud of as a Clevelander?
The commitment to community development, growth, and rebirth is powerful. Cleveland's city neighborhoods and inner suburbs are all unique and passionate in their own ways and it makes for endless chances to become an engaged citizen.
Marc Nathanson
Development Director
Favorite thing about being a Clevelander?
I love the beauty of our city, the uniqueness of our history, and our “never quit” attitude.
John Perse
Research and Publishing Associate
Favorite thing about being a Clevelander?
Seeing the reaction of people when I tell them I now live here and how awesome Cleveland can be. And that the best is yet to come!
Erica Stehlik
Finance Manager
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Cleveland area?
Trying all of the great restaurants and enjoying the lake in the summer.
Peighton Taylor
Content Creation Associate
What's your favorite thing about being a Clevelander?
My favorite thing about being from Cleveland is the shared work ethic of the people here. No matter the industry, people are tenacious and driven around what they want to accomplish and how far they will go to help others. The Cavs said it best – in this city, it’s whatever it takes!
Board
Daniel Anstandig
CEO and Co-founder, Futuri Media
Patte Bettis-Eddie
Program Developer/Facilitator
Shawn DaVis
Vice President of Business Development, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Jen Forshey
Teacher, Rocky River High School
Matt Hite
Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
James Kellon
Senior Business Analyst, Cleveland Cavaliers
Greg Malkin
Founder, Young Entrepreneur Institute
Arin Miller-Tait
Co-founder and Board President &
Community Development Bureau Chief, City of Cleveland