Mayor taps O.H.I.O. Fund Founder to fill Port Board Vacancy

Cincinnati, OH, June 10, 2026 – The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority (The Port) announced today the appointment of Jill Meyer, one of four Founding Partners of The O.H.I.O. Fund, to its Board of Directors. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval tapped Meyer to fill the seat vacated by Dr. Pradeep Bekal, who resigned after being appointed to the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees.

“Throughout her career, Jill Meyer has been an instrumental leader in driving strategic growth throughout our region,” said Mayor Aftab. “Her vision, her experience, and her passion for Greater Cincinnati make her a welcome addition to The Port’s board,” he added.

Jill Meyer previously served as CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, where she represented thousands of business members to drive regional economic growth, talent attraction, and major infrastructure projects, positioning businesses and people across the region for continued momentum and impact.

“Jill is known for her strategic thinking and deep understanding of Cincinnati’s complex economic development ecosystem,” said Laura Brunner, President and CEO of The Port. “Her cross-sector relationships have led to success in Cincinnati, success in The O.H.I.O. Fund, and will be instrumental in building alignment between private investment leaders and the work we are doing at The Port.”

The O.H.I.O. Fund is a private fund advisor focused on investing in a diverse mix of Ohio companies, real estate, and infrastructure opportunities that seek to create long-term value for stakeholders while contributing to Ohio’s economy. It supports growth in advanced manufacturing, biotech, real estate, infrastructure, and other sectors where Ohio leads.

“I’ve been a strong supporter of The Port’s strategy and work since even before my time at the Chamber, when I had the good fortune to work more closely with Laura and her organization,” shared Jill Meyer.

“Now, I’m in a chapter where I’m keyed in differently to the opportunities for economic growth, jobs, and wealth creation created by more investment in real estate of all kinds. This is a full-circle moment, and I’m honored to have Mayor Aftab’s confidence as I roll up my sleeves alongside The Port’s team.”

Prior to leading the Chamber, Jill Meyer practiced law for 20 years at Frost Brown Todd LLC, where she launched and built a national advertising and media law practice and became a trusted adviser to clients on a broad range of business matters. From 2009 until 2015, she served as Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Cincinnati office.

Additionally, Meyer is an independent director of the Cincinnati Financial Corporation and Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Cincinnati Branch Board. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of United Way of Greater Cincinnati and is also a member of the Tocqueville Society. She is a member of the ArtsWave Women’s Leadership Council, the Queen City Club, and a proud recipient of numerous honors, including being named a YWCA of Greater Cincinnati Career Woman of Achievement. She holds a J.D. from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law and a B.A. from Mount St. Joseph University.

The Port’s Board of Directors is composed of volunteers appointed in equal numbers by the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, representing a diverse mix of business acumen and civic leadership. Meyer’s appointment extends across the remainder of Dr. Bekal’s term, expiring in January 2029.

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About The Port:

The Port was formed in 2001 to stimulate growth of the regional economy. Partnering with the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, The Port works to redevelop manufacturing and residential communities, building the foundation for job creation and creating livable, viable communities where residents can experience economic prosperity. For additional information, please visit http://www.cincinnatiport.org.

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Media Contact:

Yasmin Chilton
Director of External Affairs and Media Relations
937-536-9885
ychilton@cincinnatiport.or