Chris Ronayne is an American politician who currently serves as the 3rd Cuyahoga County Executive. He was elected to the office in 2022, defeating Lee Weingart with 63.9% of the vote.[1] Ronayne took office on January 1, 2023.[2]
Ronayne began his career on the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission prior to serving as campaign manager for then-Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jane Campbell’s successful run for Cleveland Mayor in 2001.[6] He then served in Campbell’s administration as the City of Cleveland Planning Director. Ronayne also worked as the city’s Chief of Staff and Chief Development Officer.[7] In 2005, Ronayne was named president of University Circle Inc, a non-profit that oversees the University Circle neighborhood on Cleveland’s East Side. On October 1, 2021, Ronayne stepped down as UCI President to run for Cuyahoga County Executive.[8]
The 2022 Cuyahoga County executive election was for an open seat, as incumbent Armond Budish chose not to run for a third term.[9] After defeating Tariq Shabbaz in the Democratic primary, Ronayne faced the Republican nominee, former county commissioner Lee Weingart.[10]Cuyahoga County, a Democratic stronghold, gave 247,301 votes, nearly 110,000 more than Weingart received.[1] Ronayne was sworn in on January 1 of the following year, but had a ceremonial inauguration in Downtown Cleveland on January 21.[2]
Ronayne began his tenure focusing on issues relating to the homeless and public transportation.[11] As part of this emphasis, he created a new department of Housing and Community Development and appointed a Senior Advisor for Transportation.[12] He has also called for economic development efforts alongside Lake Erie, which makes up the northern border of Cuyahoga County.[13] Additionally, Ronayne prioritized waterfront access, affordable housing and improved resident services during his campaign.[14] Since taking office, he has championed the creation of Neighborhood Based Services as a way to decentralize social services offered by county government.[15]
Two days after his election, Ronayne named former Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser as his chief of staff.[16] He also appointed Cleveland Deputy Police Chief Harold Pretel as Cuyahoga County Sheriff.[17]
He is married to Natalie Ronayne, who is the Chief Development Officer for the Cleveland Metroparks. They have two kids.[18] He has previously been named to Crain's Cleveland's 40 under 40 list and Cleveland Magazine's Most Interesting People 2023 list. [3][4]
