Beverly J. Watts
Director, Wayne County Department of Public of Services
Beverly is the Director of the Wayne County Department of Public of Services (DPS), the largest county road agency in the state of Michigan. Beverly began her career in Wayne County in 2003 as Assistant Division Director of the Parks Division of DPS, moving up to Director the following year and then appointed to Deputy Director of the entire Department in 2012. In 2016, Watts became Wayne County’s first female Director of DPS. In addition to aligning the department’s mission and vision with the goals set forth by the County Executive, she is responsible for developing strategic plans for each of the department’s six divisions, totaling over 600 employees with an annual budget exceeding $300 million and total assets estimated at $1 billion.
PUBLIC SECTOR HONOREE
In 2018, Wayne County DPS was awarded full accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for their improved processes and procedures, making them the first county in Michigan to receive this honor. In addition, Watts has implemented policies that emphasize equity, diversity, racial and gender equality, and inclusion. For example, Watts has built a diverse team of decision-makers for various departmental processes, including recruitment, divisional oversight, and procurement practices. Watts is a proud native Detroiter and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State University. She serves on the Board of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, which has transformed the Detroit Riverfront into a sought-after destination, keeping it “a beautiful, clean and safe gathering place for all.” She is a proud member of the COMTO Michigan Chapter. In 2019, Watts received the “Pioneer Award for Public Agency Executive of the Year” and sits on the COMTO Industry Awards Committee. In addition, Watts serves as a member of the National Organization of Black County Officials, American Public Works Association, Wayne County Economic and Development Corporation, Wayne County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board and currently represents the county as an appointed member of the Wayne County Drainage Board, and most recently appointed to the Michigan Infrastructure Council. Ms. Watts is a lifetime member of the Detroit Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and currently serves as President of the Harbor town One Condominium Association. Also, she was honored as a recipient of the Michigan Chronicle’s “Woman of Excellence” and “Who’s Who” awards. In 2019, Watts became an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education, graduating and earning certification in Strategies for Building and Leading Diverse Organizations.
Celebrating Women Who Move The Nation 2022
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