New To Town: 6 Questions With Cleveland Heights' New Communications Director

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Patch is launching a feature called "New in Town" that will highlight incoming businesses and residents as they move into a community. The goal is to give voices to local faces and groups. First up is Mary Trupo, the new communications director for Cleveland Heights.

Patch asked six questions of the prodigal Northeast Ohioan, ranging from her history with the region to how she's getting ready for her first winter back. (To stay up to date on local stories, subscribe to the Patch Cleveland Heights newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

Check out her answers below.

When did you come back to Cleveland?

I relocated back to the Cleveland area in February after more than 25 years in Washington, DC. I have been temporarily staying with family on the west-side and am eager to move into my house in Cleveland Heights in October. Cleveland Heights has so much to offer from beautiful neighborhoods including many wonderful neighbors, vibrant business districts and proximity to University Circle and all of our great museums.

What's your background in the region? Are you from Ohio originally?

I grew up in Berea where my dad once served as mayor. My family has deep connections to the Cleveland area. My grandfather immigrated here from Italy around 1910 and settled in Cleveland. In addition to my parents still living in the Cleveland area, I have a sister that lives in Cleveland Heights and a brother and nephew that live in Olmsted Township.

Why'd you leave Ohio? What did you do and learn during your time away?

I left to go to college in Virginia and thought I would return to the area after graduating. However, a series of career opportunities, including stints as a Presidential Appointee in both the Clinton and Obama Administration’s led me to Washington, DC. I had the opportunity to travel all around our country and to travel the world working in both transportation and international trade. I learned so much from living and working in a diverse and global environment, especially a respect and appreciation of different cultures. I also grew to realize the importance of public service and just how interconnected the world and its people are. I also learned that no matter where you live a sense of community is very important.

What drew you back to Ohio?

Even though I was gone for a long time I always considered myself a Clevelander. Washington is a great city and I loved living there, but it is a transient town and does not have the same sense of community that Cleveland has. There is so much energy, pride, growth and excitement going on in our city right now I just knew it was the right time to return. I also felt it was important to be closer to my parents and family. To quote Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz “There is no place like home!”

What's one of your favorite local businesses and why?

Well, since going to work for the City of Cleveland Heights a couple of months ago, I have to admit to developing a fondness for Tommy’s and Stone Oven. Still, being new to town I look forward to finding many local businesses to frequent.

How are you prepping for the notorious Northeast Ohio winters?

Oh boy, I know the last couple of winters have been mild and I’m hoping that is the same this year. I just bought my first pair of snow boots since I was a teenager and my parents gave me a tricked-out snow/ice scrapper for my car. I’m still in need of a warm winter coat with a hood and other winter attire. And, most importantly, I have to find a reliable service provider to plow my driveway. DC winters are pretty easy and short – that I will miss. All-in-all, I am so happy to be back in Cleveland that I will find a way to deal with and appreciate our winters (that’s what I will tell myself anyway!).

Are you new in town? Know someone that just came to the community? Think a new business may be a good fit for a profile? Email Ohio Editor Chris Mosby at chris.mosby@patch.com.

Photo from City of Cleveland Heights