Toby Rittner lives in Cleveland Heights with his wife Laura and their son Andrew. Toby is an active community advocate and national leader in the economic development finance industry. Toby serves on boards, committees and actively writes for the Heights Observer on issues relating to local government and economic development in the Heights. Through his professional experience, Toby has advised governors, local leaders and in 2008 he briefed the Obama Transition Team on federal stimulus policy. Born in Cleveland, Toby has also lived in Findlay and Columbus, OH and Washington, DC.

Career History:

• President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies, Cleveland, OH (current)
• Director of Legislative Affairs, International Economic Development Council, Washington, DC
• Senior Program Coordinator for Economic Development, Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Columbus, OH
• Associate Planner, City of Gahanna, OH

Education: 

• Master's Degree, City and Regional Planning, Ohio State University
• Bachelor of Arts Degree, Political Science, Ohio State University
• Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), National Development Council (NDC)

Professional & Community Affiliations: 

• Member, Cleveland Heights Community Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)
• Board Member, Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC)
• Board Member, Future Heights
• Writer, Heights Observer
• Volunteer, Hands On Northeast Ohio
• Volunteer, Interfaith Hospitality Network
• Member, Fairmount Presbyterian Church
• Former Board Member, Heights Community Congress

Experience: 

• Author of Practitioner’s Guide to Economic Development Finance: Building & Utilizing the Development Finance Toolbox
• Active on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington, DC advocating for federal economic development resources
• Technical assistance provider to federal, state and local leaders on economic development finance policy and practices
• Strategic Planning facilitator and author
• Master Planning & Economic Strategy facilitator and author
• Instructor at University of North Carolina, Georgia Tech and for numerous state and regional development associations