CLEVELAND — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.
Chris Ronayne, the long-time president of one of Cleveland's most prominent neighborhoods, is stepping down from his role with University Circle Inc. effective October 1.
The news was announced in a press release on Tuesday, stating that Ronaye is leaving to pursue a run at Cuyahoga County Executive.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead University Circle Inc. for 16 years,” stated Chris Ronayne. “When I began at UCI we envisioned a neighborhood without borders that welcomed visitors from near and far, that engaged students from around the world and from neighborhoods next door, and a place with amazing public spaces, events, small businesses and new housing opportunities. I am thrilled with the progress my team and I have made during my time here.”
Ronayne first announced his run for Cuyahoga County Executive back in July, posting series of photos on Twitter, showing himself among family and friends, sporting "Chris Ronayne for Cuyahoga County Executive" shirts, while attending an Independence Day parade in Parma.
Since 2005, Ronayne has been the President of University Circle Inc., the nonprofit that leads community development, education and safety efforts in Ohioʼs fourth-largest job hub.
“Chris has done a fantastic job leading UCI the past 16 years,” said Craig Martahus, President of the UCI Board of Trustees. “During his tenure, University Circle has thrived and he deserves a great deal of credit for the many new projects and initiatives that have come to fruition in the Circle. The Board and team at UCI are very grateful for Chris’ dedication and commitment to UCI’s mission. We look forward to building off our success and momentum as we continue to fulfill our mission to build a community experience that connects all people with Cleveland’s center of culture, healing and learning.”
Moving forward, the University Circle Inc. Board of Trustees will conduct a national search for the next leader of the organization. Geralyn Presti, President & CEO of The Music Settlement, will lead the search committee.
In the meantime, Gary Hanson, the former Executive Director of The Cleveland Orchestra, will serve as interim President beginning Oct. 4. During his 28-year tenure at The Cleveland Orchestra, Hanson worked closely with UCI and as the Orchestra’s chief executive, beginning in 2004, he was a member of UCI’s Board of Trustees and Executive Committee.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.