Team NEO Names Westfield Group CEO as Chairman

CLEVELAND — The governing board of directors of Team Northeast Ohio has named Jim Clay, chairman and CEO of Westfield Group, as its chairman, the organization announced this morning.

He succeeds Ward J. “Tim” Timken, Jr., chairman, chief executive officer and president of TimkenSteel Corp., and David T. Abbott, executive director of The George Gund Foundation, who served as interim co-chairmen during the organization’s transition to begin to implement the regional strategy.

“Jim knows Team NEO well and was instrumental in the process which led to its consolidation with NorTech,” Timken said. “His leadership will be valuable as the organization leverages its new strengths to help accelerate the pace of job creation in northeast Ohio.”

“It is an honor to take on this role,” Clay said. “I am committed to working with this dynamic board to help our region to compete globally.”

Timken and Abbott served as co-chairmen for the Regional Competitiveness Council and as interim co-chairmen for Team NEO. They were instrumental in leading a steering committee that recommended a new regional economic competitiveness strategy to accelerate northeast Ohio job growth, the organization said. Both will continue to serve on the board and provide their leadership and experience to the organization.

“We are tremendously grateful for Tim Timken’s and Dave Abbot’s leadership and guidance during a period of significant change and growth for Team NEO,” said Grant Goodrich Team NEO’s interim CEO.

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