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The CEO Dinner series is one of the organization's longest standing institutions. Professional Members have the opportunity to join local C-suite and high level executive leaders for a private dinner. These events are intentionally limited to 10-20 people so everyone has a chance to listen, learn, share and grow together through honest discussion. The speakers represent a wide range of companies and industries, both big and small.
NEW FOR 2026: Cost to reserve your seat for the dinner is $10. Attendees can order whatever they would like for dinner/drinks on their own tab. This dinner will be hosted at Taza Lebanese Grill.
About the CEO
Jeff Epstein is the President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland, where he leads the maritime and economic development finance work of one of the largest ports on the Great Lakes. The Port of Cleveland is a vital economic engine for Northeast Ohio, connecting the region to global markets through its strategic location on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. As a key hub for international and domestic shipping, the Port handles millions of tons of cargo annually—supporting over 23,000 jobs and generating more than $7 billion in economic impact each year. Beyond its maritime operations, the Port drives economic development, sustainable infrastructure investment, and public financing for projects that strengthen communities, create jobs, and grow the regional economy.
With over two decades of experience at the intersection of economic development, public-private partnerships, and transformative urban investment, Jeff brings a strategic and collaborative approach to driving regional growth.
Before joining the Port, Jeff served as Chief of Integrated Development for the City of Cleveland, where he advanced equitable community and economic development across the city. He oversaw the departments of Planning, Economic Development, Community Development, and Building & Housing, and played a key role in implementing Mayor Justin Bibb’s priorities. His efforts focused on breaking down bureaucratic silos, driving inclusive growth, launching new financing tools, and catalyzing real estate and infrastructure investments—including the creation of the North Coast Waterfront Development Authority.
Previously, Jeff served as Executive Director of MidTown Cleveland, a nonprofit economic and community development organization, and as Director of the Cleveland Health-Tech Corridor, where he worked to attract and grow health-tech and high-tech businesses. In these roles, he led strategic marketing, neighborhood redevelopment, business attraction, and community engagement initiatives.
During his seven-year tenure at MidTown and the Health-Tech Corridor, the area experienced more than $230 million in transformative real estate development. Notable projects included the Dave’s Markets grocery store, The Cleveland Foundation headquarters, MAGNET’s new headquarters, and several mixed-income housing developments.
Jeff holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.S. in Public Policy Studies from Duke University. He began his legal career clerking for Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
