Jeffrey Sugalski
Housing Development Project Manager
Hire Date: February 2021
Education: Cleveland State University (BA in Urban Studies & Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development
Describe yourself in three words: Humble, Creative, Thoughtful
What is your favorite part of your work? There are many. I really enjoy coming up with creative, sometimes “out-there” ideas to meet the needs of the community, building support for the vision, and finding a way to bring them into fruition. I also really value the experience of working with and learning from people from all different cultures and backgrounds; diversity has definitely made me a better professional and overall person. I’m also grateful every day for the opportunity to focus my career improving Cuyahoga County neighborhoods.
What is the best advice you ever received? “You are ______ enough.” It’s a very powerful little self-affirmation that can be anything you need it to be.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I can drive a Zamboni ice resurfacing machine. In high school and college years, I worked as a maintenance person for a couple of municipal ice rinks and recreation facilities.
What’s playing in your car right now? If it is my choice, it’s likely local and/or national news.
What is currently on your DVR? PBS NewsHour, Westworld, Schitt’s Creek, Survivor
What do you do for fun/hobbies? Trying to find fun things to do with my 3- and 5-year-old kids, bicycling, playing Nintendo Switch, board games, home improvement, hanging out with my dog.
What drew you to work at the Cuyahoga Land Bank?
I had the opportunity to partner with the Cuyahoga Land Bank on affordable housing and economic development initiatives in Cleveland’s Central and Kinsman neighborhoods in my previous role as real estate development director at Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. I quickly discovered the team’s deep commitment to revitalizing urban neighborhoods, as well as willingly sharing its knowledge and expertise to help neighborhood groups like BBC overcome different challenges. Through this experience, I have had the highest regard for the Cuyahoga Land Bank. I’ve always been thoroughly impressed by the spirit of collaboration, resourcefulness and can-do attitude. In my new role, I am very excited to help create and advance some bold new housing development initiatives that will potentially be transformative to our community.
Interested in learning more about the Cuyahoga Land Bank team? Click HERE for more employee profiles.