Mayor Andrew J. Ginther Names Michael Stevens Permanent Development Director
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced Michael
Stevens will serve as the permanent Director of the Columbus Department of Development.
Stevens has been serving as the interim director since September 2019.
“Mike is particularly well
positioned to manage the needs of our neighborhoods now and as we transition
through the COVID-19 public health crisis into a time of economic recovery,”
said Mayor Ginther. “I have great confidence in his ability to serve our
residents.”
Stevens has served as Chief
Innovation Officer, spearheading the Smart Columbus initiative since 2017 and
will continue to lead the effort through the grant’s deadline at the end of
2020. Prior to serving as Chief Innovation Officer, Stevens worked as the
Deputy Director of the Columbus Department of Development until being named the
CEO of Lake County Partners, a nonprofit economic-development organization
outside Chicago, in 2012.
“I am looking forward to working
with my colleagues in the Development Department and throughout the City, as
well as our community partners, as we respond to the economic impact of the
COVID crisis, continue to address affordable housing, and develop a growth
strategy that will fuel prosperity for all residents.”