Caven West is expected to replace the retiring Marlene Michaelson as the next executive director of Montgomery County Council.
If approved by the council at its April 9 meeting, West will lead a 100-person staff that deals with the county’s $7.1 billion operating budget and day to day operations.
“Following a comprehensive national search, Caven was the Council’s unanimous choice among an outstanding group of highly qualified candidates,” said Council President Andrew Friedson in a news release.
“This role requires a seasoned leader with technical expertise managing large, complex government budgets and a proven track record of leading and developing teams to innovate and bring systems change. Caven has demonstrated expertise in all these areas at the city, county and state level, and we look forward to bringing his talents and knowledge to Montgomery County.”
West is the chief of staff for the clerk of Detroit and oversees a $30 million budget. He also was chief deputy director and chief of staff for the clerk of Wayne County, Michigan.
On his LinkedIn page, West describes himself as a “Visionary Tri-Sector Business Leader with a passion for public service and a history of success bridging business and government to solve economic problems.” West also wrote that he has a “Strong commitment to building a sustainable and thriving work environment that creates a high level of trust and collaboration.”
West has more than 25 years of experience in government and an MBA from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business and a master’s degrees in public administration from Eastern Michigan University.
“As the Council welcomes Caven West into his new role, we want to express our appreciation for the more than 35 years of service that outgoing Executive Director Marlene Michaelson has provided to Montgomery County and her commitment to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership,” Friedson said.
Photo from Caven West’s LinkedIn page
