CLEVELAND — The West Side Market's nonprofit organization has named Rosemary Mudry as its first executive director as the iconic Cleveland landmark prepares for a new era.
Mudry will take command of the Cleveland Public Market Corporation (CPMC), which is set to take over operation of the West Side Market early next year.
David Abbott, President of CPMC’s board of directors, chaired the search committee that worked with Waverly Partners, a national executive search firm, to conduct the search. Local, state, and national candidates were considered.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rosemary as the new Executive Director of CPMC,” Abbott said in a statement released by the city. “Her strategic mindset and passion for the Market make her an ideal leader to deliver on the West Side Market’s potential. We are confident that under her guidance, CPMC will make tremendous progress towards our goal of making the West Side Market the nation’s premier public market.”
The search committeee included several CPMC board members and United West Side Market Tenant's Association President Don Whitaker. “I’ve been impressed by Rosemary’s energy and excitement about the job and her commitment to working closely with merchants,” said Whitaker of Mudry.
Mudry currently leads West Park Kamm's Neighborhood Development and has also worked in community development roles in Old Brooklyn and Ohio City.
“The West Side Market is such a beloved Cleveland institution, and I am beyond excited to be a part of guiding its future,” Mudry said. "I feel privileged and honored to be chosen by CPMC’s Board of Directors and look forward to engaging with all those who care so deeply about the Market as we make the transition to non-profit management.”
Earlier this month, Cleveland City Council approved legislation turning over management of the market from the city to the CPMC. Council also approved giving the nonprofit $200,000 in operating support, with the city planning to provide the CPMC $700,000 a year to support operations for the foreseeable future.