Beverly J. Watts

Sphinx Board of Directors

In 2022, Watts launched a consulting firm to advise public/private sectors on how to Build, Motive and Expand their operations. 

Prior to launching her firm, she has served Wayne County as an influential leader since 2004, she was appointed the first female Director of the Parks/Recreation Division. In 2016, Watts became Wayne County’s first female Director of the Department of Public Services. As Director, she was responsible for managing the annual budget, developing a capital improvement plan, setting strategic goals and creating a communication/marketing plan for each of the department’s (6) divisions. Watts managed over 600 employees with an annual budget exceeding $300 million dollars and total assets estimated at $1 billion dollars. She was responsible for aligning the department’s vision and mission with the goals set forth by the County Executive. 

Through Watts leadership efforts, in 2018, the Wayne County Department of Public Services was awarded full accreditation by the American Public Works Association for their processes and procedures becoming the first county in Michigan to receive this honor. In addition, Watts has implemented policies which emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion. Watts built a diverse team of decision-makers at every level within the department to assist with goal setting, staff development and operational improvements. 

Watts, a native Detroiter, is a proud graduate of the Detroit Public School system, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State University. She previously served on the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Board which has transformed the Detroit Riverfront into a sought-after destination, keeping it “a beautiful, clean, and safe gathering place for all.” Watts is an executive board member of the Michigan Chapter of COMTO (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials), where she was awarded the 2019 “Pioneer Award for Public Agency Executive of the Year,” for improvements to Wayne County’s infrastructure. In March 2022, COMTO’s national organization selected Watts as one of their 2022 awardees for the “Women Who Move the Nation” award, which is the highest honor for women making outstanding contributions to the transportation industry. 

In January 2022, Watts was appointed to the Michigan Infrastructure Council by Governor Whitmer, to assist with creating a long-term strategic framework to improve Michigan’s infrastructure for the next thirty years. She has previously served as a member of SEMCOG (Southeast MI. Council of Governments), APWA (American Public Works Association), and NRPA (National Recreation and Parks Association), Friends of Wayne County Parks Board, Wayne County Economic Development Brownfield Council and former Michigan’s 21st Century Infrastructure Commission.