The Cuyahoga County Planning Commission is organized into three divisions: Administrative, Planning, and Information and Research. The planners, researchers, and geographic information specialists are all technically-trained, innovative, and combined bring a wealth of talent to the Planning Commission.
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Mary Cierebiej, AICP
Executive Director
Mary is strategic and mission-oriented and has extensive experience in building strategic coalitions and relationships with the purpose of creating and expanding new economic and business opportunities for communities. With 20+ years of planning and economic development experience, in both the private and non-profit sectors, she is recognized as an influencer and architect through public service and leadership on local, regional and national committees and boards. Mary showcases a deep dedication to realizing sustainable and healthy communities that offer a solid foundation in which individuals and businesses can succeed.
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Patrick W Hewitt, AICP
Planning Manager, Strategy & Development
With more than a decade of experience leading master plans and strategic initiatives, Patrick brings planning and visioning expertise to community projects.
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Susan Infeld
Manager, Planning Initiatives
After serving as Mayor of University Heights for eight years, Susan brings a wealth of local government experience to County Planning where she helps chart our future through innovative projects while also providing leadership on our two state-funded, locally implemented grant programs.
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Jennifer Karaffa
Manager, Business Services
Managing County Planning’s fiscal activities including payroll, invoicing and revenue, budget and procurement, Jennifer is a key member of our leadership team.
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Daniel Meaney, GISP
Manager, Information & Research
Dan oversees the agency's Information & Research Services Section, which provides GIS mapping and analysis to the planning staff, other County agencies, and local communities.
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James M. Sonnhalter
Planning Manager, Design & Implementation
Managing the Planning staff, Jim is responsible for providing direction for community master plans, surveys, and other community and county-wide studies.
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Alison Ball
Planning Initiatives Specialist
With 10 years of experience in community planning and development, Alison is focused on open space conservation, active living, trail planning, and watershed development.
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Meghan Chaney, AICP
Senior Planner
With 15 years of experience in the planning field, Meghan has expertise in planning and zoning work related to a wide variety of community and regional issues, including environmental sustainability and food security. Meghan also administers the County Subdivision Regulations.
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Kevin Leeson
Planner
As part of the Information and Research Services Section, Kevin specializes in using data and information technology to support planning initiatives and research services.
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Nichole Laird, AICP
Senior Planner
Passionate about equitable processes and outcomes, Nichole is focused on community planning and community health initiatives that benefit people within the built environment.
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Liam Leveto
GIS Technician
As a GIS specialist and planner, Liam brings a diverse skillset that integrates the power of GIS mapping and analysis to better serve the current and future demands of local communities' public services and strategic decision making.
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Rachel Novak, AICP
Senior Planner
With experience in both the private and public sectors, Rachel not only brings an enthusiasm for public outreach, but also a diverse planning background that provides insight on zoning and land use codes, comprehensive planning, and graphic design.
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Annette Linden
Business Services Assistant
As the first point of contact for County Planning, Annette performs a wide-range of administrative duties in support of the business and administrative functions.
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Laura Mendez Ortiz, AICP
Planner
As a life-long learner, Laura brings enthusiasm and passion to all aspects of planning with a particular focus on equity and community engagement.
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Elaine Price
Planning Initiatives Specialist
Specializing in green space issues including watersheds, water resources, trails and bikeways, Elaine provides leadership in many areas of outreach for County Planning.
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Maureen Riley
Planner
With community development experience in both the non-profit and government sectors, Maureen has a diverse skillset and background that she hopes will lead to sustainable, mixed-use development, with a strong emphasis on community-based planning in Cuyahoga County.
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Micah Stryker, AICP
Senior Planner
Micah provides professional planning insight on zoning, land use and development and leads the development of community master plans.
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Paul Triolo
Planner
As an enthusiastic and value-driven planner, Paul brings a diverse planning skillset with a specific emphasis on the built environment, land use planning, and parks and greenspace.
