3CDC Names New Chief Financial Officer

Interim CFO, Tim Szilasi, Chosen to Fill Role Permanently

CINCINNATI (February 23, 2016) – Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC)’s four-month search for a new Chief Financial Officer culminated last week with the selection of Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tim Szilasi, who was appointed Vice President & Chief Financial Officer on Friday, February 19, at the 3CDC Board Meeting.

3CDC’s search to fill the vacancy began in September 2015, following the departure of former CFO, Stephanie Gaither, who had held the role since 2005 and is now serving as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Grandin Properties. Upon her resignation, Szilasi, who has been with 3CDC for four years following a two-year stint as a member of the organization’s audit team, was appointed Interim CFO. 3CDC formed a search team made up of several members of the organization’s Board Governance and Human Resources Committee, and the job description was posted in a variety of outlets.

After reviewing approximately 40 resumes, the team trimmed the list to eight potential candidates, and ultimately found Szilasi to be the best choice to permanently fill the role.

3CDC’s Vice President and CFO has the overall responsibility for the financial and administrative functions of the organization, including budget development and management, accounting and reporting, audit management and oversight, internal controls, tax compliance, capital management, loan portfolio management, human resources, risk management, and information technology.  Approximately 20 staff positions are dedicated to support 3CDC’s finance and administrative functions. Szilasi will work directly with the CEO and the Executive Vice President of Development (EVP) in real estate financing and underwriting, structuring the organization’s strategic direction, annual work plans and budgets.

“I have been very pleased with Tim’s performance, not only over the past five months, but for the four years he’s been with this organization. I’m confident in his leadership,” Steve Leeper, 3CDC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, adding that he was proud to recommend Tim for the CFO position.

Prior to joining 3CDC, Szilasi spent seven years as an auditor with accounting firm Grant Thornton LLP. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Cincinnati in 2005. He is an avid sports enthusiast, and has remained a loyal fan of UC Athletics. He plays soccer in his spare time, and enjoys his large family still in the area including his own 12-year-old son, his parents, three older sisters and nine nieces and nephews.

“I have great pride and passion in Cincinnati, so it’s been an honor to work for 3CDC over the last few years,” Szilasi said. “I’m excited to step into the increased role as the organization continues to make a positive and lasting impact on our urban core.”

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