Western Reserve Land Conservancy Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Gus Frangos, President of the Cuyahoga Land Bank 

Western Reserve Land Conservancy joins the Northeast Ohio community in celebrating the life and extraordinary legacy of Gus Frangos, President of the Cuyahoga Land Bank, who passed away August 10. Gus was not only a visionary leader in land reutilization but also a steadfast partner of Western Reserve Land Conservancy. His contributions to the community have left an indelible mark on the region and will be felt for generations to come. 

Throughout his tenure at the Cuyahoga Land Bank, Gus Frangos championed innovative approaches to addressing distressed properties while transforming vacant and abandoned structures into thriving assets for the community. His work was instrumental in revitalizing neighborhoods, promoting economic development, and improving the quality of life for countless residents. 

Rich Cochran, President and CEO of Western Reserve Land Conservancy, reflected on the deep partnership between the Land Conservancy and Gus Frangos: “Gus was an exceptional leader whose passion for community revitalization was contagious. His work with the Cuyahoga Land Bank, in collaboration with Western Reserve Land Conservancy, set a new standard for how we approach land use and urban revitalization. Together, we made tremendous strides in transforming distressed properties into green spaces, community gardens, and affordable housing—projects that bring hope and opportunity to neighborhoods across the region.” 

In remembering Gus Frangos, the Land Conservancy is committed to carrying forward his vision of a more equitable and sustainable future for all residents. His legacy will continue to guide our work as we strive to build a region where every community has access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. 

“Gus was the quintessential public servant. What he did in writing the land bank bill, and then establishing the best land bank in the country has made all the difference. Because of his work in Cuyahoga County, it was easy to establish land banks throughout the state and easy to raise money to assist us in our work of removing blight from Ohio neighborhoods and making communities safer,” said Jim Rokakis, former Western Reserve Land Conservancy Senior Vice President & Director of Thriving Communities. 

As we celebrate Gus’ life and his many contributions, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues. We are grateful for his friendship, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to making Northeast Ohio a better place for all.