Mecklenburg County has announced the promotion of Michael Griswold to the role of director of the Office of Strategy and Innovation (OSI). With the county since 2014, Griswold steps up from his previous role as deputy director, a position he held since 2022. Prior to that, he brought his analytical prowess to the Department of Human Resources as a business manager and honed his skills as a management analyst.
The OSI, crucial in spearheading strategic business plans and performance management, tackles a wide array of county projects. From conducting the annual Employee Climate Survey to the crafting of the Community Pulse Report, under Griswold's lead, the focus will undoubtedly remain on streamlining systems to serve county residents effectively. According to Mecklenburg County's news release, the county manager lauded Griswold's "steadfast commitment to performance excellence, customer service, and fostering positive culture and teamwork."
Griswold's educational background includes a bachelor's degree from Clemson University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Not to rest on his academic laurels, he's continued to expand his knowledge through additional programs and certifications, a testament to his commitment to lifelong learning and adaptation in a constantly evolving public sector landscape.
"Innovation within government isn’t about disruption for its own sake—it’s about designing smarter systems that solve problems,” Griswold stated, shining light on his visionary approach to his new role. As Mecklenburg continues to navigate the complexities of public service, Griswold's mission, as detailed in the Mecklenburg County announcement, is to enhance the systems that will better serve all county departments and the community at large, "especially those who are most vulnerable."
He is set to deploy his expertise and leadership in meeting the Board of County Commissioners’ priorities, aiming to uphold the integrity of Mecklenburg's promise as a place of opportunity and growth for its diverse population.
