Columbus: Development Director Steve Schoeny to Depart, Chief Innovation Officer Michael Stevens to Serve as Interim

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced Chief Innovation Officer Michael Stevens will serve as Interim Director of the Columbus Department of Development pending the departure of current Director Steve Schoeny. Schoeny was named City Manager for the City of Upper Arlington and is expected to transition into his new role at the end of the month.

Schoeny served as Development Director since 2013, and recent successes include the $192 million North Market Tower project. He was instrumental in the deal to keep the Columbus Crew SC in Columbus, helping to leverage the privately-funded stadium project into a separate $200 million Arena District expansion. While Schoeny was director, the city launched a regional housing study being led by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, helped establish a $100 million Housing Action Fund, and reworked the City's incentive policies to promote housing affordable for all Columbus residents. Additionally, Schoeny initiated the Proactive Code Enforcement (PACE) system to proactively address code enforcement issues in neighborhoods and hold landlords accountable for repeated offenses."

"Steve led some of the most impactful economic development efforts in recent Columbus history," said Mayor Ginther. "Through his leadership, the city has secured thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in private investment that ultimately fuel the local economy and fund core city services. We are grateful for his years of service to the people of Columbus."

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Michael Stevens, Chief Innovation Officer for the City since 2017, is spearheading the Smart Columbus initiative aimed at improving the quality of life and providing ladders of opportunity for Columbus residents through enhanced mobility options, improved infrastructure and the application of advanced technologies. Stevens will continue to lead Smart Columbus while serving as interim director.

"Mike is attuned to the needs of Columbus neighborhoods, and will continue to use our development policies to help create opportunities for our residents," said Mayor Ginther. "His experience and dedication will help build on the momentum we have created."

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.

"Columbus' economy is leading the Midwest, and is one of the strongest in the nation. I look forward to helping Columbus continue to grow inclusively, so every resident has the opportunity to share in our success," said Stevens. "I appreciate the mayor's confidence in me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this important role."

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