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, Research & Information
Dan oversees the agency's Research & Information 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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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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Erik Engle, AICP
Principal Planner
Focused on speculative design and implementation strategies for revitalizing post-industrial cities, Erik remains steadfast in his commitment to creating more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant communities through best physical planning practices.
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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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Kevin Leeson
Research & Information Specialist
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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Liam Leveto
GIS Analyst
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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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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Alexandrea Long, AICP
Principal Planner
Alex works at the intersection of planning, design, and development, applying her diverse skillset and multidisciplinary background to projects and problems of various scales, contexts, and complexity to achieve holistic results.
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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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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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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, AICP
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.
