William D. Friedman became president and CEO of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority in June, 2010. Under Mr. Friedman’s leadership, the Port of Cleveland has experienced a resurgence in maritime trade and diversification of cargo types. In 2014, the Port launched the Cleveland-Europe Express service, introducing container liner shipping to the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway and solidifying Cleveland’s position as its leading international hub. The Port has also taken the lead to resolve long-standing waterfront infrastructure challenges under Mr. Friedman’s tenure.
Mr. Friedman has more than 30 years experience in port management, real estate development, the international supply chain and multimodal distribution. He served as vice president, ports and logistics for Duke Realty Corp. from 2004 to 2009, helping the company expand to key port and inland logistics hubs.
Mr. Friedman was CEO of the Ports of Indiana from 2000 to 2004, where he improved financial results, increased cargo volumes, and secured more private investment, resulting in a record $1.5 billion annual economic impact statewide.
From 1990 to 2000, Mr. Friedman worked for the Port of Seattle serving in a variety of management roles including director of seaport strategic planning, general manager of cargo piers and industrial properties, and senior harbor development planner.
Mr. Friedman is past Chair of the Boards of the American Association of Port Authorities, the American Great Lakes Ports Association and Green Marine, and currently serves on numerous industry and civic boards.
Mr. Friedman holds two degrees from Indiana University — a bachelor’s in history, and a master’s in public administration with a concentration in urban and regional planning.