Edited by John O’Brien
The City of Cleveland has transferred management and operation of the West Side Market to Cleveland Public Market Corporation (CPMC). Today is the first open Market day under new management.
CPMC is an independent 501(c) 3 non-profit that was created after Mayor Justin M. Bibb’s administration evaluated the ongoing needs of Cleveland’s iconic public market and decided to align West Side Market’s operating model with nationwide best practices for public markets.
“West Side Market is one of our city’s jewels and transitioning to non-profit management will help with more efficient management operations, fundraising, and connecting the West Side Market to our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Bibb.
“City Council understands the important role West Side Market has and is excited for the Market to play an even bigger role in the lives of Clevelanders across the City in the future,” said Council President Blaine A. Griffin. “We look forward to working with CPMC to connect our residents to the Market.”
Under the terms of a management agreement signed between CPMC and the City of Cleveland, the City retains ownership of the Market’s land and facilities. CPMC will independently manage the Market’s operation, oversee renovations and upgrades, create and market new public programs, and fundraise for capital projects.
“For years I, and other community stakeholders, have been advocating for a new management model at the West Side Market; a model that honors the history of this Cleveland icon, the wellbeing of its current vendors, and the future vision of a vibrant marketplace,” said Ward 3 Councilman and CPMC Board Member Kerry McCormack. “I am thankful that Mayor Bibb listened to the community and acted quickly on these critical reforms.”
CPMC is also charged with the execution of the Market’s masterplan, developed by a partnership of Market merchants, Ohio City, Inc., City officials, and community, business, and foundation leaders. Hired by the CPMC Board of Directors, Rosemary Mudry joined the non-profit in January 2024 as its first executive director.
“This transfer of day-to-day operations is a huge step for the West Side Market,” said David Abbott, President of the CPMC Board. “We are looking forward to launching a capital campaign this year to fundraise for major capital improvements needed to restore the Market and make it the best market in America.”
Among Mudry’s first tasks was hiring a team to operate the Market. The inaugural CPMC team members are:
• Tiffany-Allen White, Director of Operations: White has served in non-profit leadership for over 15 years, with emphasis on strategic restructuring and program implementation. She most recently served as director of community relations and internal operations at Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc.
• Liz Andjeski, Finance and Office Manager: Andjeski comes to CPMC having spent the last 12 years managing operations and finance systems as controller and “office boss” at Spice Hospitality Group.
• Camille Rose Dickson, Director of Development and Partnerships: Dickson brings nearly a decade of non-profit experience to CPMC. She most recently served as development and communications manager at the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
• Patrick Evans, Director of Marketing: Evans has more than 16 years’ experience in marketing and advertising in Cleveland. He has led the marketing efforts at multiple local non-profit visitor destinations, including previously serving as director of marketing at Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
• Demarco Jones, Assistant Director of Operations: Jones is a seasoned property management professional with experience in commercial and residential spaces.
• Gabe Fedor, Merchant and Leasing Coordinator: Fedor has more than 5 years’ experience in property management and commercial tenant leasing.
“I’m excited about the passionate team we’ve brought on to set the foundation for this next chapter for West Side Market,” said Mudry. “We’re going to be nimble and responsive to the Market’s needs. We’re all looking forward to learning a great deal in the coming months as we work with the City, merchants, and customers.”
Going forward, career and volunteer opportunities will be posted online at westsidemarket.org.
CPMC and City staff emphasized that the transition of management will be collaborative to ensure the best possible experience for Market merchants and customers. Visible changes to the Market and the customer experience will happen gradually over time as the masterplan is executed.
“Vendors are feeling hopeful about the future for West Side Market,” said Don Whitaker, President of the United West Side Market Tenant’s Association. “We know change might be a little bumpy, but we all feel confident non-profit management will be better for our businesses and the Market.”
ABOUT CLEVELAND PUBLIC MARKET CORPORATION
Cleveland Public Market Corporation strives to make West Side Market the nation’s premier public market by meeting the evolving needs of merchants, customers, and the community. CPMC preserves the city’s public market tradition while making the local food system more accessible, equitable, and diverse.
