Cuyahoga County Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cuyahoga County has 6 executives leading key functions including operations, administrative coordination, information technology, human resources, and executive leadership.

Anchored in the heart of Northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga County drives regional economic development and provides essential public services to the metropolitan population through collaborative governance and strategic infrastructure management.

Leadership Roles at Cuyahoga County

  • Chief Operating Officer - William Whitney
  • President - Adam Wasserman
  • President - Ralph Capretta
  • Chief of Staff - Erik Janas
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Connie Geddis
  • Director I, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer - Sarah Nemastil
  • William Whitney - Chief Operating Officer

    William Whitney, the Chief Operating Officer at Cuyahoga County, directs the daily administrative functions and operational workflows across the regional government. Whitney manages the integration of public service delivery systems to ensure maximum efficiency for the thirteen-county region. By overseeing the implementation of county-wide policies, the Chief Operating Officer maintains alignment with the strategic goals established by the executive leadership team. This role involves constant coordination with department heads to optimize resource allocation and improve service accessibility for residents. William Whitney monitors performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement, ensuring that all operational activities support the broader mission of economic development. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer strengthens the organizational capacity of the county, facilitating seamless collaboration between diverse government agencies and external stakeholders to achieve sustainable growth across the entire Northeast Ohio metropolitan area.

    Adam Wasserman - President

    Adam Wasserman, the President at Cuyahoga County, leads the strategic planning and economic development initiatives focused on internal operational growth and fiscal stability. Wasserman directs the implementation of policies designed to enhance the competitive position of the county within the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area. The President coordinates with the board and executive leadership to prioritize infrastructure projects that stimulate regional economic activity. Adam Wasserman oversees the financial planning processes, ensuring that all budgetary decisions support the long-term sustainability of public services. By fostering partnerships with private sector entities and community organizations, the President drives initiatives that promote job creation and regional prosperity. This role involves representing the county in high-level negotiations and public forums to advocate for the interests of the local population. Through visionary leadership and disciplined management, Wasserman ensures that the county remains a central hub for economic development and innovation in Northeast Ohio.

    Ralph Capretta - President

    Ralph Capretta, the President at Cuyahoga County, manages the external relations and intergovernmental affairs that define the regional influence of the county. Capretta directs the engagement strategies with state and federal partners to secure funding and support for critical public initiatives. The President oversees the development of collaborative frameworks that unite the thirteen-county region in shared economic goals. Ralph Capretta monitors the impact of regional policies on the local community, ensuring that all government actions promote equitable growth and service accessibility. By leading cross-functional teams, the President facilitates the execution of large-scale projects that improve the quality of life for residents across the metropolitan area. This leadership role requires constant interaction with stakeholders to align public interests with administrative objectives. Through proactive communication and strategic advocacy, Capretta strengthens the regional standing of the county, ensuring that all efforts contribute to the overall success and development of Northeast Ohio.

    Erik Janas - Chief of Staff

    Erik Janas, the Chief of Staff at Cuyahoga County, manages the executive office operations and facilitates communication between the leadership team and various government departments. Janas coordinates high-level policy initiatives and ensures that the strategic vision of the county remains the primary focus of all administrative activities. The Chief of Staff organizes complex projects that span multiple jurisdictions, fostering cooperation across the Greater Cleveland area. Erik Janas reviews legislative proposals and operational reports to provide actionable insights to the executive leadership, enabling informed decision-making. By streamlining the flow of information, the Chief of Staff enhances the responsiveness of the county government to public needs. This position requires constant engagement with external partners and internal stakeholders to align regional development efforts. Through meticulous planning and execution, Janas supports the overall effectiveness of the county administration, ensuring that all initiatives contribute to the long-term prosperity of the region.

    Connie Geddis - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Connie Geddis, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Cuyahoga County, architects the digital infrastructure and technology systems that support essential government services. Geddis oversees the implementation of secure data management protocols and modernizes software platforms to improve public access to county resources. The Deputy Chief Information Officer collaborates with the IT leadership team to ensure that all technological investments align with the broader economic development goals of the region. Connie Geddis manages complex cybersecurity initiatives to protect sensitive information while maintaining the integrity of public records. By optimizing network performance and digital service delivery, the Deputy Chief Information Officer enhances the operational efficiency of various county departments. This role involves evaluating emerging technologies to drive innovation within the government sector. Through strategic planning and technical oversight, Geddis ensures that the county maintains a robust and reliable digital environment, supporting the needs of the diverse population across Northeast Ohio.

    Sarah Nemastil - Director I, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sarah Nemastil, the Director I, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Cuyahoga County, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives for the entire county workforce. Nemastil designs comprehensive human capital strategies that support the delivery of public services across the metropolitan area. The Director I, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer manages labor relations and ensures compliance with all employment regulations, fostering a productive and equitable work environment. Sarah Nemastil collaborates with executive leadership to align workforce capabilities with the evolving needs of the county government. By implementing performance management systems and professional development programs, the Director I, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee engagement and operational excellence. This leadership role involves analyzing workforce data to forecast staffing requirements and improve retention rates. Through strategic human resources management, Nemastil strengthens the organizational foundation, enabling the county to effectively serve the residents of Northeast Ohio.
    Sarah Nemastil

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cuyahoga County Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cuyahoga County?
    Cuyahoga County is led by William Whitney (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Adam Wasserman (President) and Ralph Capretta (President).
    Who is part of Cuyahoga County’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cuyahoga County includes leaders such as William Whitney (Chief Operating Officer), Adam Wasserman (President), Ralph Capretta (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cuyahoga County have?
    Cuyahoga County has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cuyahoga County’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cuyahoga County includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief Information Officer.