Stephanie M. Mercado, Esq., serves as a Project Director for BLS & Co.’s corporate and institutional clients. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Mercado’s 16-year career includes serving as partner and economic development attorney for Kohrman Jackson Krantz LLP, senior director for Team Northeast Ohio, Commissioner of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and executive director of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development.

Stephanie is skilled at utilizing public and private resources to solve development and growth obstacles related to infrastructure, utilities, environmental concerns, real estate, workforce and other factors companies consider as part of their site selection process. At BLS & Co. Stephanie addresses the increasing legal and regulatory complexities of redevelopment approval and financing, and in corporate site selection and incentives.

Stephanie holds a J.D. from Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and a B.A. in political science from John Carroll University. A 2020 member of Leadership Cleveland, she was named a ‘40 Under 40’ leader by Crain’s Cleveland Business and received the Hispanic Heritage Leadership award from the National Football League in 2011. She also serves on the board of several non-profit organizations and is a regular presenter at industry relevant seminars, including those hosted by the Ohio Economic Development Association.