Deemer, Michael
Downtown Cleveland Alliance
Education: Doctoral degree, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law; master’s degree in international peace studies, University of Notre Dame; bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish, Ohio University
Toughest Challenge: Transforming Downtown Cleveland into a truly walkable, pedestrian-oriented, seamless urban fabric
Greatest Inspiration: The music of Bruce Springsteen, Mavis Staples, Nina Simone and Brandi Carlile
Favorite Quote: “Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
How I Motivate Others: Communicate goals and priorities and entrust them with responsibility
Best Advice: Listen actively and surround yourself with people with high emotional intelligence.
What Keeps Me Up at Night: Balancing being the best dad, husband and leader I can be
Important Lesson Learned: Change takes time and requires relentless persistence.