The search is underway for a new Administrator to lead County-wide violence prevention initiatives

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – It’s a major step toward addressing and reducing violence in Cuyahoga County. Today, the County administration announced the creation of the Cuyahoga County Office of Violence Prevention and the search for a visionary and experienced leader to develop and guide violence prevention and intervention initiatives.

“Too many families in Cuyahoga County have been devastated by violence, and we cannot accept it as normal,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “This office will bring leadership, coordination, and accountability to our violence prevention work. It’s about saving lives, supporting victims, and making every neighborhood a place where people can live in peace.”

According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, over 4,000 people have died in Cuyahoga County because of a gun since 2001.

“This is not just a public safety issue; it’s a public health and community well-being issue,” said Cuyahoga County Councilman Michael J. Houser (District 10). “The Office of Violence Prevention is about investing in people, strengthening neighborhoods, and creating real partnerships with the organizations already doing life-saving work on the ground. This is long overdue, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

The Office of Violence Prevention will take a public health approach to violence, addressing the root causes such as poverty, trauma, and lack of opportunity while also investing in community-based solutions that interrupt cycles of violence. The office will bring together municipal leaders, community partners, public health experts, youth advocates, and law enforcement with one purpose: to stop violence before it starts.

The new office will be part of the County’s Department of Public Safety and Justice Services. “Public-private partnerships are essential to the success of our Office of Violence Prevention,” adds Brandy Carney, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Safety and Justice Services. “By working together across sectors, we can expand resources, create innovative solutions, and build safer, more supportive communities.”

The County is now accepting applications for a new Violence Prevention Administrator. The ideal candidate will have experience in violence prevention or public health, a deep understanding of the communities most affected by violence, and a commitment to building collaborative, effective strategies that create lasting change. This individual will serve as a vital connector between the County and our communities, ensuring that prevention efforts meet the needs of our residents and municipalities and are shaped by those most affected.

The Office of Violence Prevention is a community effort. The Administrator’s role will be to listen, build trust, and coordinate resources across neighborhoods, community organizations, and County agencies and departments, including the Sheriff’s Department, Health and Human Services, the Medical Examiner’s Office, Juvenile Court, and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, to implement strategies for intervention and prevention.

“If you’re passionate about making a difference and believe that real change starts in our neighborhoods, we invite you to apply for the Violence Prevention Administrator position. This position is an opportunity to be a force for healing, safety, and hope in Cuyahoga County,” adds Executive Ronayne.

To apply, visit cuyahogacounty.gov.

View photos from the event, courtesy Cuyahoga County Communications.