Mark Rantala was named the new executive director of the nonprofit Slavic Village Development (SVD). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Rantala to steer redevelopment plans
Already with a week on the job at the new executive director of Slavic Village Development (SVD) in its namesake Cleveland neighborhood, Mark Rantala has been out and about, engaging with the community.
After his start date of June 22, Rantala has been assessing SVD’s operations, meeting community partners, and introducing himself to some in the neighborhood.
But for many, Rantala needs no introductions. He joins SVD with over 25 years of commercial real estate experience and over 12 years of economic development experience. And there are a number of emerging redevelopment plans for him to help activate.
He replaced Shauna Sanders who resigned in May, and steps into the role to guide SVD as the organization readies to implement its neighborhood comprehensive plan.
Slavic Village Development’s offices are located in the former State Banking and Trust Co. Columbia Branch, built in 1924, 5620 Broadway Ave. (Google).
“Mark brings an unparalleled list of accomplishments from his time as the Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Authority executive director,” said Dartanian Warr, president of the SVD Board of Directors in a written statement.
“From developing new housing, reimagining 1950s vintage bungalows, to building the Miracle baseball field to benefit disabled youth, Mark has been a difference maker,” he added.
“Slavic Village is a neighborhood with incredible grit, history, and untapped potential,” said Rantala. “My career has focused on turning real estate challenges into economic opportunities, and I look forward to applying that experience here.”
“Together with our residents, businesses, and partners, we will accelerate economic development, strengthen our commercial corridors, and build an even more vibrant, equitable community,” he added.
There are emerging plans for the redevelopment of Slavic Village including Village 55 and now there’s a new champion for them (RDG).
Rantala began his commercial real estate career in CBRE’s Cleveland office, where he led the Retail Practice Group and represented shopping centers, developers, and retail tenants across Northeast Ohio as a First Vice President.
During his tenure, he authored the annual CBRE Retail Market Report, achieved “Top 5” status six times, and earned the CBRE Tradition of Excellence Award alongside the national Larry Perrish Leadership Award.
His economic development career started as director of the Nederland Economic Development Corporation in Texas. More recently and locally, he was the executive director of the Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Development Authority for eight years.
In that role, he also served Lake County’s Economic Development Department and provided support to the 230,000 residents of Lake County and the county’s 23 cities, villages and townships.
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