CH economic development director, Greg Zucca, resigns

The City of Cleveland Heights announced today that Greg Zucca, economic development director for the city, has resigned. Zucca has accepted a position with as the vice president of lending and lending operations for the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI). He had been in his position with the city since June 2014.

"Economic development is a top priority for the city," said City Manager Tanisha Briley. "Greg Zucca provided the city with strong analytical and financial skill and a keen ability to build partnerships. We are disappointed to see him go, but wish him great success in his new role at ECDI. We look forward to working with him and ECDI to strengthen and support our thriving small business community."

"I am grateful for the privilege to have served the City of Cleveland Heights, one of our region's most dynamic cities, with its strong neighborhoods and vibrant commercial districts. It was an honor to work with the citizens and small businesses of this great community," said Greg Zucca. "In my new position at ECDI, I look forward to continuing to serve the small businesses and entrepreneurs in Cleveland Heights and throughout our region to ensure they have access to the resources they need to grow."

ECDI is one of the nation's largest Small Business Administration micro loan intermediary lenders serving all 88 Ohio counties, with offices in Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, and Toledo. ECDI's mission is to invest in people to create measurable and enduring social and economic change. Since its founding in 2004, ECDI has assisted more than 4,000 business owners and helped create and retain 6,000 jobs through a comprehensive suite of programs for small businesses. ECDI's programs and services have been supported by more than $52 million in federal, state, local and private funds and have helped to create jobs, increase access to capital, and spur local economic development. 

As the vice president of lending and lending operations for ECDI, Zucca's responsibilities will include managing the lending operations, partnership building, provision of direct services, and oversight of all lending staff for the organization's Northern Ohio offices.

"I am excited to have Greg on the team. The ability to have someone of Greg's caliber to manage the team will allow me to continue building and strengthening ECDI's relationships throughout the state," said Eric Diamond, executive vice president of lending for ECDI. 

Deanna Bremer Fisher

Deanna Bremer Fisher is executive director of FutureHeights and publisher of the Heights Observer.

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Volume 8, Issue 3, Posted 4:00 PM, 01.30.2015