North Olmsted Hires New Economic Development Director

Michiel Wackers to lead city's redevelopment efforts after previous director's departure.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:37am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished metal model of a city skyline, a stack of architectural blueprints, and a sleek tablet device, conceptually representing the tools and planning involved in urban redevelopment projects.North Olmsted's new economic development director brings expertise in community planning and redevelopment to guide the city's ongoing revitalization efforts.Cleveland Today

North Olmsted, Ohio has hired Michiel Wackers as its new Director of Economic and Community Development, replacing the previous director Max Upton who left the role just over a month ago. Wackers, who previously held similar positions in Cleveland and Connecticut, will earn $115,000 annually and started with the city on April 13.

Why it matters

As a landlocked community, North Olmsted faces unique challenges with redevelopment, especially around the Great Northern Mall area. Wackers' experience in community development, planning, code enforcement, and zoning will be crucial in guiding the city's ongoing revitalization efforts.

The details

After interviewing four candidates, North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones said Wackers stood out for his knowledge, professionalism, and impressive background. The city had hoped for a transition period with the previous director, but Upton's departure happened more abruptly than expected, leading to an aggressive timeline to fill the position.

  • Max Upton left the city just over a month ago.
  • Michiel Wackers started in his new role on April 13, 2026.

The players

Michiel Wackers

The new Director of Economic and Community Development for the city of North Olmsted, Ohio.

Max Upton

The previous Director of Economic and Community Development for the city of North Olmsted, who left the role just over a month ago.

Nicole Dailey Jones

The Mayor of North Olmsted, Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“We had actually started the search while Max was still here with kind of the hope that there might be a little bit of a transition time, but it just didn't work out that way.”

— Nicole Dailey Jones, Mayor of North Olmsted

“Even from just the first interview, he was incredibly knowledgeable, very professional and impressive.”

— Nicole Dailey Jones, Mayor of North Olmsted

What’s next

Wackers will be tasked with guiding North Olmsted's ongoing redevelopment efforts, particularly around the Great Northern Mall area, leveraging his experience in community development, planning, code enforcement, and zoning.

The takeaway

North Olmsted's new economic development director brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role, which will be crucial in addressing the city's unique challenges as a landlocked community focused on revitalization and redevelopment initiatives.