Laura Dodd has been hired this week to oversee Oakland County’s economic development and aviation departments as the newest deputy county executive. .
She also will manage the county executive’s state government relations.
“Laura is a proven leader, having served in multiple roles in Economic Development since 2019,” said Dave Coulter, Oakland County’s executive. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated the vision and expertise to strengthen our workforce and support our businesses and communities.”
A Milford resident, Dodd has more than 25 years of leadership experience in economic development, nonprofit management and organizational operations.
She moves from her current position of deputy director of economic development for the county..
“Oakland County has a national reputation for fostering innovation, supporting businesses of all sizes and investing in people because of County Executive Coulter’s visionary strategic goals,” Dodd said. “I look forward to working with our outstanding team, community partners, employers and organizations to build on this momentum to create even more opportunities for residents and businesses to thrive and to help our aviation department soar.”
She served as chief operating officer of Oakland THRIVE from 2023-2025, where she co-founded the organization and helped implement the $17 million Business Forward small business assistance initiative.
Her career also includes leadership roles with the University of Michigan, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust and Cranbrook Institute of Science.
She currently serves as president of the Huron Valley Schools board of education.
Dodd replaces Sean Carlson, who left the county earlier this year to run for state office.
She begins her new role on Thursday, July 30.