This program year, SMPS Northeast Ohio’s luncheon series will explore what it means to go beyond the build—delivering value across the entire project lifecycle, from early planning and funding strategies, through design and construction, and into long-term operations. Our Beyond the Build theme speaks directly to client priorities: capital planning, user experience, phasing, flexibility, and measurable ROI. We will uncover how AEC teams can better understand owner goals, align solutions to long-term needs, and create projects that deliver enduring impact.

In January, we’ll take an inside look at Cleveland Metroparks through a curated fireside-chat style conversation with CEO Brian Zimmerman, interviewed by Joan Chase, Chief Operating Officer of the Cuyahoga Land Bank. Their discussion will touch on Brian’s leadership in expanding green spaces, revitalizing the urban core, enhancing regional connections, and guiding major improvements at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

This session will explore how project planning, funding, operations, and visitor experience intersect across a 25,000-acre park system that serves millions of annual visitors. Brian will share insights on navigating major capital projects, coordinating improvements across diverse sites, and preparing for future investments that support community use and long-term sustainability.

Join us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation offering perspective on how organizations approach complex projects, balance near-term needs with long-term vision, and create value across the full lifecycle of the built and natural environment. 

GUEST SPEAKERS

BRIAN M. ZIMMERMAN
Chief Executive Officer

Cleveland Metroparks

As Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Metroparks, Brian Zimmerman is responsible for the management of more than 25,000 acres of green space in Northeast Ohio including 18 park reservations, nine golf courses, and the nationally acclaimed Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Since assuming the role of CEO in 2010, Brian has acquired land at the fastest rate in the park district’s 105-year history aside from the park founder, adding over 3,000 acres of protected park land and forests. Brian has helped revitalize Cleveland’s urban core with the acquisition and transformation of nearly 750 acres of lakefront property including the Re-Connecting Cleveland TIGER trails project that links more than 66,000 Cleveland residents to Lake Erie and the region’s vast network of parks and trails. 

He has strategically expanded park access to 49 communities across six counties, adding more than 60 miles of trails, bringing the park's trail network to more than 325 miles of trails. He has also improved park relevancy through enhanced programming, connections, and opportunities, attracting more than 19 million annual recreational visitors in each of the past three years.

Through broad support and investment, Brian has helped expand and connect Cleveland’s Emerald Necklace into a tremendous community asset and tourist destination. Under his leadership, the Park District secured more than $150 million in external grants and donations to maximize investments in projects across the park district. A recent study revealed that Cleveland Metroparks contributes $873 million in economic impact to the region. Brian has laid the groundwork for some of the park’s most transformational investments to come, including a state-of-the-art Primate Forest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the “CHEERS” project to create a more accessible, equitable, and resilient lakefront on Cleveland’s east side. 

As CEO of Cleveland Metroparks, Brian also has overseen the transformation of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo into a nationally recognized facility for animal care and wildlife conservation. Under his leadership, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the non-profit Cleveland Zoological Society have invested $35 million in larger and more complex animal habitats, including African Elephant Crossing, Rosebrough Tiger Passage, Asian Highlands, Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve and Susie’s Bear Hollow. 

His efforts have been recognized nationally through several awards including the 2021 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), the highest national honor in parks and recreation. The Gold Medal award was the fifth Gold Medal in Cleveland Metroparks history and the second awarded under Brian’s leadership. Brian has also been recognized as a 2024 Crain’s Cleveland Business Power 150 Honoree, 2024 Cleveland Magazine 500 influencers, 2023 Leadership Award from the Harvard Business School of Northeast Ohio, 2023 Smart Business Smart 50 Award and was named one of Ohio Business Magazine’s Most Influential Leaders across the state. He also received the 2022 Shatten Award by Greater Cleveland Partnership. In 2020, he received the COVID Impact Relief Award by Smart Business. Brian has been previously recognized as the 2018 National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) Professional Fellow Award, Crain’s Cleveland Business 2017 CEO of the Year, a finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and 2016 "Professional of the Year" by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.

In addition to his role with Cleveland Metroparks, Brian is a member of the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration (AAPRA) and serves on several boards including the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region, Destination Cleveland, Flats Forward, iHeartMedia Local Advisory Board, Northeast Ohio Sustainability Community Consortium and served as past Chair of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress. 

 Brian graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He enjoys golf, traveling, especially to see Big 10 college football games, and spending time with his family, including his wife Jill and son Carter. He is also an avid sports fan and enjoys hiking and boating.

JOAN CHASE
Chief Operating Officer
Cuyahoga Land Bank

Joan Chase is Chief Operating Officer of the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation (Cuyahoga Land Bank), where she oversees day-to-day operations and leads the execution of the Land Bank’s strategic priorities across property acquisition, redevelopment, disposition, and neighborhood revitalization. In this role, she works closely with the President & CEO and leadership team to translate strategy into action, strengthen organizational performance, and ensure the Land Bank delivers measurable, community-centered impact across Cuyahoga County.

Joan brings deep experience at the intersection of real estate, economic development, and public-private collaboration. Prior to joining the Cuyahoga Land Bank, she served as Vice President at the Fund for Our Economic Future, where she helped guide the organization’s strategic portfolio and led initiatives focused on job access, site readiness, and inclusive economic growth, and as a loaned executive to Power Up Local, advancing locally driven clean-energy development through cross-sector partnerships. Previously, she was Senior Manager at Allegro Real Estate Brokers & Advisors, leading strategic advisory engagements for public, nonprofit, and corporate clients related to site selection, portfolio strategy, and redevelopment planning, and earlier held leadership roles at DigitalC, the Cleveland International Fund, and the Greater Cleveland Partnership, beginning her career in management consulting at Accenture.

Joan serves on the boards of the Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund, the Positive Education Program, and Cleveland State University’s Euclid Avenue Development Corporation. She holds an M.S. in Urban Studies with a concentration in Economic Development from Cleveland State University and a B.A. in Economics from Case Western Reserve University. She lives in Cleveland’s Edgewater neighborhood with her husband, twin sons, and a very silly dog in a century-old house that is perpetually under renovation.

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