Mayor Bibb promotes new leaders for City of Cleveland Integrated and Economic Development

Transitions will continue to drive equitable growth in the Cleveland ERA

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - Cleveland - The City of Cleveland today announced key leadership transitions within its Integrated Development team, reinforcing Mayor Justin M. Bibb's commitment to industrial revival, neighborhood vibrancy, and government innovation, all cornerstones of his Cleveland ERA economic agenda.

Tom McNair has been named Chief of Integrated Development, succeeding Jeff Epstein, who will assume the role of President and CEO at the Port of Cleveland. In this position, McNair will oversee the strategic alignment of the City's Economic Development, Planning, Building and Housing, and Community Development departments.

Assistant Director of Economic Development, Joevrose Bourdeau Small, has been promoted to Director of Economic Development, elevating her strong leadership of the City's business support, investment attraction, and job creation strategy.

"These transitions reflect not only the strength of our team, but the strength of our city," said Mayor Bibb. "Jeff helped us build the framework for integrated development, and we are grateful for his leadership. Now, Tom and Joevrose will carry the Cleveland ERA forward with fresh energy and a steadfast commitment to the communities we serve."

During his tenure with the Bibb Administration, Jeff Epstein oversaw four departments and nearly 300 staff as Cleveland's first Chief of Integrated Development. His work significantly advanced Mayor Bibb's vision for inclusive economic growth and community revitalization through groundbreaking initiatives like the Shore-to-Core-to-Shore Tax Increment Financing (TIF) strategy and the City's off-site construction housing pilot.

Epstein managed $175 million in ARPA funds to support housing, placemaking, and site readiness, and was a driving force behind the Cleveland ERA agenda to drive economic resurgence. Under his collaborative leadership, the City developed new financing tools, aligned cross-sector partnerships, and launched the North Coast Waterfront Development Authority - laying the groundwork for transformative waterfront and infrastructure investments.

"I want to thank Jeff for his service and visionary leadership in driving economic development and revitalization across Cleveland. His work has laid the foundation for growth in our neighborhoods and along our waterfronts," Mayor Bibb added. "I'm also proud to congratulate Tom and Joevrose on their new roles. Both bring deep experience, a strong commitment to public service, and the kind of collaborative spirit we need to keep Cleveland moving forward."

As Mayor Bibb continues to pursue his second term, these leadership transitions align with the administration's vision for Cleveland's future: connected, community-driven, and opportunity-rich.

About Tom McNair
Tom McNair brings a track record of transformative neighborhood and citywide work to his new role. As Executive Director of Ohio City Incorporated, he led efforts that helped reduce retail vacancy from nearly 40 percent to under 2 percent, while catalyzing more than $1 billion in private and public investment.

Since joining the City of Cleveland in August 2023, McNair has overseen key initiatives such as the launch of the $50 million Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund, aimed at unlocking land for job-generating development. He has also been instrumental in driving the Shore-to-Core-to-Shore strategy to reconnect Cleveland's lakefront with its neighborhoods and has prioritized inclusive investment on the city's Southeast Side, supporting infrastructure upgrades and long-overdue economic momentum. McNair holds a bachelor's degree in interior architecture and design from Ohio University.

About Joevrose Bourdeau Small
Joevrose Bourdeau Small steps into her role as Director with a deep commitment to equitable growth and proven success in delivering results. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the City's business retention, expansion, and attraction strategy, while also building strong partnerships with workforce development agencies and minority-owned business accelerators.

Her leadership has improved the City's business attraction processes, making it easier for Cleveland-based entrepreneurs to grow and succeed. She has also championed greater access to capital for local businesses by aligning city initiatives with federal and philanthropic funding. Prior to joining the City of Cleveland, Bourdeau Small worked as an Equal Opportunity Specialist at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and served the City of Boston in the planning and development agency. She holds a JD from Suffolk University Law School and a BA from Bates College.