Featuring guest speaker Michael Dever, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works.

In March 2015, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish appointed Michael Dever as the Cuyahoga Country Director of Public Works. Michael oversees a diverse staff of nearly 600 employees that plan, design, construct and maintain a network of bridges, buildings, and sewers throughout Cuyahoga County. Additionally, the County’s Airport and Animal Shelter are under the charge of this Department. Mr. Dever is also responsible for continuing supervision of major development projects such as, the Cleveland Convention Center Hotel, as well as the Downtown Pedestrian Bridge and the County Airport Runway Project.

Prior to his appointment as Director of Public Works, in 2001 Mike Dever served in various capacities related to the county’s infrastructure. In 2001, Mike was hired by Cuyahoga County Engineer Bob Klaiber as the county’s Construction Administrator. Mike oversaw a staff of 40 people who provide construction administration for many of the major road and bridge projects throughout the county, with a capital budget of $32 million.

In 2008, Mike was appointed by the County Commissioners as the Deputy to the Sanitary Engineer. In that capacity, Mike led the effort to increase productivity of the work force and to expand regional sewer services to the municipalities. Today that office provides sewer services to more than 35 of the 59 communities of Cuyahoga County, with an annual operating budget that has grown from $12 million to $25 million.

In 2011, with the reorganization of county government and the creation of the new Department of Public Works, Michael Dever was appointed as the Maintenance Administrator. His responsibilities included, managing over 380 employees in the divisions of facilities, sewers, road and bridge, fleet and airport.

Mike earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Cleveland State University, Levin College of Urban Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania.

Mike and his wife Stacy reside in Lakewood and have five children ranging from 11 to 20 years old.