William Friedman, who has headed the Cleveland – Cuyahoga County Port Authority since 2010, told the port’s board members in an email Monday that he is leaving at the end of his contract, which expires Dec. 31.
He was seeking a three- to five-year contract renewal, but the board did not support that.
“The terms of the proposed agreement were not acceptable to me,” he wrote in the email to board members. “In light of the notice of non-renewal and based on the current state of affairs with respect to my employment conditions, I have decided to accept the non-renewal and leave the Port on December 31st as provided under the non-renewal clause in the agreement.”
Friedman has clashed over the last two years with a couple of board members, particularly David Wondolowski, who heads the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council. Wondolowski, who was recently reappointed to the board, led opposition to Friedman’s bonus last December. Friedman ultimately got the bonus. Friedman’s contract afforded him the potential for up to a 3% bonus of his base salary. He sought the full amount, worth $10,404. The board did back a 2% raise for Friedman. His 2024 salary is $355,470.
“This was not a decision I took lightly,” Friedman said in a statement released after he notified board members. “I am incredibly proud of the Port team and what we have accomplished to strengthen the Port and contribute to the community. I am confident that the important work we’ve started will continue under new leadership.”
Friedman said in the statement that he is committed to facilitating a smooth leadership transition over the coming months.
“I have advised the board of my plans and communicated my intentions to assist with an orderly transition,” he said.
This story was updated to include a statement from Friedman.
