Eduardo Romero has been at the center of Cleveland’s public service for more than two decades. Now serving as Commissioner of the Division of Risk Management, Romero has helped guide the city through changing administrations and shifting workforce dynamics. As he nears retirement after 33 years in government, one of his primary goals is to leave behind a lasting legacy. It’s one deeply tied to his connection with Cleveland State University (CSU).

Romero’s introduction to CSU came through the Lean Six Sigma Boot Camp, where he met staff and faculty leaders like Rob Ziol and Dr. Clayton Wukich in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. Those relationships sparked a vision to create a stronger pipeline between the City of Cleveland and CSU that could prepare the next generation of public leaders.

“CSU is the premier research university in the region and it’s in our backyard,” Romero said. “It’s a crucial institution moving forward. It’s important to the health of the City of Cleveland.”

Romero understands the demands of today’s workforce. In his dual role as Commissioner and interim Chief of Human Resources in 2023, he witnessed a dramatic shift in how applicants viewed employment. “Applicants wanted to know what the city could offer them to be competitive in the job market,” he explained. “They wanted a three-to-five-year plan for skillset enhancement so they could pursue their next position. It was an eye-opening change in culture.”

That shift reinforced the importance of education and career development opportunities. Romero sees CSU not just as a resource for students, but as a partner for the city in helping cultivate talent, expand leadership capacity, and ensure Cleveland is equipped to thrive in the future.

Romero has completed 17 credits toward his master’s degree, with an eye on finishing through the Ohio Certified Public Managers® (OCPM) program and LeanOhio Boot Camps. But his vision extends beyond his own journey. By strengthening ties between CSU and City Hall, Romero hopes to create opportunities “as broad and as far-reaching as possible” for Cleveland’s workforce.

“The OCPM program is awesome,” Romero said. “CSU gives us an opportunity to be the best we can be. If we continue to cultivate and nurture, the next generation will be in good shape. I’m hopeful for the future.”

As Romero looks ahead to retirement, building a sustainable partnership between the City of Cleveland and CSU is one of four legacy projects he wants to see through. For Romero, the value of CSU is more than academic. It’s about synergy, community, and building a foundation for Cleveland’s next era of leadership.

“CSU is a great institution,” Romero said. “The people are ingrained in the community. The contacts I’ve made are immeasurable. The synergy being developed in Northeast Ohio is super imperative.”