Fifth Third Chief Legal Officer Appointed to Port Board
Cincinnati, OH, October 2, 2025 – The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority (The Port) announced today the appointment of Christian Gonzalez, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Fifth Third Bank (Fifth Third), to its Board of Directors. The Hamilton County Commissioners selected Gonzalez to serve a four-year term.
“We are delighted about the tremendous opportunity to welcome Christian Gonzalez to our Board of Directors,” said Laura Brunner, President and CEO of The Port. “Christian possesses a vital expertise advising companies on growth strategy that arrives at a pivotal point. As we enter a dynamic phase of strategic visioning and planning, his insight will be instrumental in shaping the future of our organization,” Brunner continued.
Gonzalez leads Fifth Third’s Legal and Government Affairs departments. He joined Fifth Third in July 2025 after 15 years at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in Columbus, Ohio, where he most recently served as an executive board member and corporate department chair. Gonzalez brings extensive experience across corporate, banking, and securities law, as well as capital markets, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.
“I’ve long admired The Port’s work and have seen the positive impact of its investments in housing and job creation,” said Gonzalez. “I’m honored to contribute to meaningful, forward-thinking economic development in my new community.”
Gonzalez also brings valuable public sector experience, having served on the board of the Columbus Franklin County Finance Authority for more than three years. The agency was awarded an A- rating from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services for its Central Ohio Bond Fund and has facilitated more than $4 billion in financing for economic development projects.
“Christian is an outstanding addition to our board as we take on increasingly complex initiatives—from major bond issuances to intricate public-private partnerships,” said Manuel Chavez, The Port’s Board Chair. “His background and disciplined approach will strengthen our governance and help ensure our guidance is responsible and ambitious.”
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. Gonzalez succeeds Angelita Jones, CEO of Eastern Personnel Services, whose term recently concluded.
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.org