David Coulter

David Coulter is Oakland County’s third executive to lead Michigan’s second largest county and has served in that role since August 2019.

As Executive, he created offices of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, and Older Adult Services. He has invested in programs to help adults get the education and training they need for successful careers, Business Forward consultants to assist small businesses gain access to county, state and federal resources and initiatives to improve and expand access to affordable physical and mental health services for all Oakland County residents.

Coulter helped spearhead a successful campaign to enact a countywide public transportation system across Oakland County and has maintained balanced budgets and the county’s coveted AAA bond rating.

Prior to serving as County Executive, Coulter brought a wealth of local government and executive experience to the job of leading Oakland County.

He represented Southeast Oakland County on the Board of Commissioners from 2002-2010 before becoming the Mayor of Ferndale, where he served until 2019 when he was appointed Oakland County Executive. He won a four-year term in 2020.

While he was Mayor of Ferndale, Dave served as the Director of External Relations for the Children's Foundation of Michigan, formerly the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation. He also served as the Executive Director of the Michigan AIDS Fund which funded HIV prevention programs.

He started his career as a middle school teacher before moving to Michigan Consolidated Gas Company as a Senior Public Affairs Officer.

Mr. Coulter was raised in St. Clair Shores, and graduated from Bishop Gallagher High School in Harper Woods. He earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and an Executive Education Certificate from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.