Michael Stevens was appointed in April of 2020 by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther to be the Director of Development for the City of Columbus. Prior to being Director of Development, Mike served as the City’s first Chief Innovation Officer responsible for the Smart Columbus initiative.

Mike has also served as President and CEO of Lake County Partners, a 501 (c) 3 economic development corporation that works to maintain economic vitality and quality of life in Lake County, Illinois. Mike was responsible for leading efforts to attract and retain jobs, stimulate capital investment, and pursue economic diversity.

From 2007 to 2012, Mike served as the Deputy Development Director for the City of Columbus responsible for the City’s Economic Development and Planning activities. Mike led the City’s Business Attraction and Retention programs; strategic land utilization; international initiatives; and promotion of public sector tools and programs available to help companies expand.

Mike has also worked for Cardinal Health, Inc in its Corporate Real Estate Group, with the City of Dublin as the Director of Economic Development, and for the City of Huron, Ohio as its Assistant Service Director.
Mike is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University where he received degrees from the Fisher College of Business and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.