Freese appointed to Port Authority

Replaces Biljana Lovrinovic Abel who vacated seat at end of term

Recent action taken by the Lake County commissioners has resulted in a new face on the Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Development Authority board of directors.

Kevin D. Freese, a lifelong Lake County resident and U.S. Air Force veteran, has been appointed to a four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2024.

He replaces Biljana Lovrinovic Abel who was named to the board by the commissioners in 2018.

Abel vacated her seat at the end of December to continue as CEO of Equus Group Marketing and Brand Consultancy and to devote more time to her family.

Port Authority Executive Director David Anderson said he’s known Freese for many years, and noted working with him in the past.

“He’s a wonderful addition to our board,” Anderson added.

In a letter to the commissioners, Freese stated, “It would be my high honor to serve my ‘home’ county, where I grew up, attended elementary, junior high and high school, and currently live, in this important role to advance plans, programs and initiatives for Lake County to be an even better place to live, work and play.”

Freese, a graduate of South High School in Willoughby, currently serves on the board of the Ohio Northern University Engineering College, where during the last 20 years he was elected to serve three years as vice chair and four years as chairman.

Additionally, Freese has been a trustee for Lake Health Foundation for two decades, served as a trustee for Project Hope for the Homeless and also as a trustee for the Cleveland Masonic Library and Museum in Cleveland.

Currently he serves as chairman and CEO of Sugar Memories, doing business as Groovy Candies, a global e-commerce supply chain and technology company headquartered in Cleveland.

“I welcome Kevin as our newest board member and look forward to working with him,” said Port Authority Chairman Art Lindrose.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will certainly be an asset to the Port.”

Freese