Michele Boni

Meet Board Member Michele Boni

Name: Michele Boni

Position: Administrator

Organization: Orange Township, Delaware County

Date Appointed to Board: July 2025

How long have you been in local government?

13 years

What motivates your service to OCMA?

As a Township Administrator, I am uniquely positioned to advocate for greater township involvement within OCMA, recognizing that we all face similar challenges across our profession.

What do you hope to accomplish in your capacity with OCMA?

In my capacity with OCMA, I hope to continue and expand my involvement in working with students across Ohio’s universities to advocate for and educate them about the profession of local government management. I believe there’s a significant opportunity to strengthen the connection between public policy programs and the realities of local government.

What inspired you to enter local government?

I found my way into local government as early as my sophomore year in college, and I’ve been committed to it ever since. What continues to inspire me is the unique ability to see the direct impact of your work. At the local level, you’re close to the people you serve—you can see the results of your efforts in real time. That kind of tangible, rewarding impact is what makes local government so meaningful to me, and why I’ve never looked back.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

As the Administrator for Orange Township, I enjoy the challenge of serving a growing and dynamic community with limited resources. It requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a lot of persistence to ensure residents receive the level of service they deserve. I find great satisfaction in the work it takes to make progress happen.

What project(s) are you most proud of?

It is hard to narrow it down, but if I were to highlight a few, it be our first mixed-use development, efficient contract negotiations and coming soon, a new fire station. Annually, I put together a State of the Township report where I highlight all our achievements. I am proud to say, none of this could happen without the incredible team I built in the last four years of my role.

What are the greatest challenges facing City Managers and Administrators in the state today?

One of the greatest challenges facing City Managers and Administrators today is effectively serving as the bridge between elected officials and staff. You’re expected to carry out the policy direction of a governing body while also leading a professional team and maintaining organizational stability — often in the midst of competing priorities and political pressures.

What is the role of a City Manager or Administrator in upholding the public’s trust in local government?

The word I cannot emphasize enough is, transparency. Providing information for the good, bad and ugly holds a City Manager/Administrator accountable and in a perfect world, builds trust. Trust is built when residents see their local government delivering services effectively, communicating openly, and making decisions based on the community’s best interest.

How are cities & townships shaping the future of Ohio?

Cities and Townships are shaping the future of Ohio by building vibrant, livable communities where people can live, work, and play — all in one place. What sets Ohio apart even further is its relative affordability compared to other parts of the country. We’re fortunate in Ohio to have three major cities — Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati — each surrounded by growing suburban and township areas that offer a high quality of life.