Former mayor to lead Port

David E. Anderson, former Willoughby mayor, selected as new executive director

A familiar face in local government has been chosen to lead the Lake County Port and Economic Development Authority.

Former longtime Willoughby

Mayor David E. Anderson was unanimously chosen by the Port’s board June 24 to become the body’s executive director, ending a six-month search.

Anderson, 68, fills the role previously held by Mark Rantala who retired at the end of January after serving for nearly seven years.

Tim Cahill, director of public finance and controller of the Port, served as executive director in the interim while the board sought Rantala’s successor.

“Dave brings great experience and is broadly respected, which will allow him to have an immediate positive impact on Port activities throughout the county,” Cahill said.

According to the Port, a pool of 30 applicants was narrowed down to three finalists until the novel coronavirus pandemic halted the interview process. After the state began to reopen and social distancing was established as a measure of safety, the final interview was conducted.

“Given the reality of the current economic uncertainty, coupled with our funding source as being a portion of Ohio’s casino revenue, we felt hiring Mr. Anderson as our part-time director was a perfect fit,” said Board Chairman Art Lindrose. Anderson was immediately given three main projects to complete by Lindrose:

• The Kennedy Parkway extension into the Lake County Executive Airport (formerly Lost Nation) property

• Development of a facility for the reuse of dredge material — per the state’s requirement beginning in 2020 — that will enable the continuation of maritime operations on the Grand River

• Development of the trail envisioned in the master plan completed by the Port Authority in 2017 in collaboration with Lake Metroparks

Anderson, a lifelong resident of Lake County, graduated from Willoughby South High School in 1970 and attended Cleveland State University.

He was elected mayor of Willoughby in 1991. His key interests were strategic planning, fiscal management

and economic development.

Prior to being elected mayor, Anderson’s experience included 20 years in sales, sales management and business management positions.

During this time, he served as the executive director of a private electronics training school and also served as a consultant to private college administrators in the areas of business planning and strategic planning.

He retired after serving as mayor for 26 years.

Anderson said one of the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of being mayor was economic development, adding that knowing all “the players out there” remains a key advantage.

“Although I was enjoying my retirement, when I became aware of this position opening at the Port I started thinking of the possibility of being involved with economic development on a countywide basis.

“I knew this was something I could get excited about and I felt my prior experience would lend itself well to this endeavor, and the timing is just right with what we’re going through,” he said. “I’ve heard your directives and I’m extremely pleased and excited to have this opportunity and so much look forward to getting started.”

Anderson