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Biography

WARREN C. EVANS

Wayne County Executive

FOCUSED LEADER WHO GETS RESULTS

Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans is a lifelong public servant. From leading Michigan's most populous and diverse county through dual health and economic crises, to restoring fiscal responsibility following the Great Recession, Executive Evans is a proven leader who does not shy away from a challenge.

As the coronavirus pandemic first struck Michigan in March 2020, Executive Evans quickly leapt to action, organizing food pantries and resources for residents across the County's 43 communities. To date, the Evans Administration has delivered over $90 million in relief to those affected by the pandemic, including direct aid for service workers, rent-burdened tenants, homeless veterans, and small businesses struggling to maintain payroll and operate safely. The County has also delivered thousands of personal protection equipment, at-home test kits and air filtration kits to local municipalities and small businesses to ensure a safer environment for all as we battle the worst global health crisis in a century.

Evans' effective, no-drama approach to governing in the state's largest county serves as a strong model for ethical leadership and fiscal responsibility. In his first term, Evans prioritized restoring fiscal stability to Wayne County, eliminating its $82 million accumulated deficit and $52 million structural deficit. With the budget balanced, Wayne County was able to exit a consent agreement with the state in just 14 months despite many thinking the County was headed to bankruptcy. That progress continues today as Wayne County has produced consecutive budget surpluses, increased funding for the County's pension system, and reduced unfunded health care liabilities by nearly $1 billion. Wayne County's financial turnaround has earned repeated credit rating upgrades from three Wall Street credit agencies: Moody's, Fitch Rating and Standard & Poor's.

Throughout Evans' service, Wayne County has also streamlined operations to better serve its residents, including the consolidation of the Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness to ensure our most vulnerable residents can access the resources they need easily and efficiently.

Evans' unwavering commitment to the people of Wayne County is driven by his upbringing. Raised by a public school teacher and doctor in Detroit, Evans' parents instilled in him the values of hard work, service, and community from a young age. Those deeply held values have remained his foundation throughout his career.

Executive Evans earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Madonna University, a Masters of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Detroit and a Juris Doctor degree from Detroit College of Law. Mr. Evans is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the D.C. Bar, and the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. Prior to his service as Executive, Evans was appointed as Wayne County Sheriff in 2003, where he served until 2009, winning two subsequent elections in 2004 and 2008. He also served as Chief of Staff of the Wayne County Commission, Assistant County Executive, and Chief of Special Operations of the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

Today, Executive Evans serves on a number of boards, including the Downtown Detroit Partnership, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, The Parade Company, Michigan Association of Counties, and the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau. Recognized for his record of accomplishment, Evans' leadership has earned acknowledgement from the National Organization of Black County Officials, Transportation Riders United, Emgage Michigan, and mParks, earning the distinction of Local Elected Official of the Year.

Mr. Evans lives in Canton with his wife, Renata, and enjoys spending time with their blended family, which includes four children and seven grandchildren.