Detroit COO Brad Dick departs for Wayne State amid Duggan’s political speculation

Brad Dick, the city of Detroit’s chief operation officer, is stepping down to take on a new role at Wayne State University.

Dick has served in key leadership positions since Mike Duggan became mayor in 2014. Dick became COO in March 2023 and oversaw multiple city departments, including Public Works, the General Services Department, Water and Sewerage Department, municipal parking, and the Building Authority.

Beginning on Nov. 11, Dick will serve as senior associate vice president for finance and business affairs and deputy chief business officer for Wayne State.

Dick’s departure comes amid speculation that Duggan may be running for governor in 2026. The mayor said he doesn’t plan to make any announcements about his future until after the November general election.

Dick has been a central part of the city’s beautification efforts. In the eight years prior to serving as COO, Dick was the group executive for services and infrastructure. He led the revitalization of more than 160 parks, the cleanup of more than 2,000 overgrown alleys, and the revival of commercial corridors. He also oversaw the removal of illegal graffiti and helped coordinate the initiative to paint murals across the city.

In addition, he spearheaded the NFL Draft downtown, the construction of the Joe Louis Greenway, and the creation of an urban agriculture program.

One of Dick’s most discussed city projects was the recent “Hollywood”-style Detroit sign mounted alongside I-94 ahead of the NFL Draft, which initially drew ridicule for falling short of expectations though Detroiters grew to appreciate it when it was revealed to light up at night.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dick was “instrumental” in helping organize testing and vaccination sites, Duggan said.

“Brad has been one of the most respected and accomplished leaders in city of Detroit government over the past 18 years, and his work has made our city a fundamentally better and more beautiful place,” Duggan told Metro Times in a statement. “Brad will be deeply missed by everyone here, and we wish him the very best at Wayne State, where we know he will do more great things.”

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This article appears in Oct 9-15, 2024.