Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has named a new Sustainability and Resilience Director for the city.
On Wednesday, the city announced that Michael Hess will take over the role. Hess is a licensed mechanical engineer who has lived in Central Florida for more than two decades and began working for the city as Director of Orlando’s Future-Ready Initiative in 2019.
Hess helped create the Future-Ready City Master Plan, which outlines achievable goals to utilize technology and data to address connectivity, energy, health, safety, materials, and placemaking in the community.
“Focused on creating smart and sustainable cities, Michael has worked on more than 100 LEED Certified projects and is well-qualified to lead the department here at the city,” said Mayor Dyer.  “Recognized as a LEED Fellow, the highest designation for sustainability expertise, I’m confident Michael’s knowledge and proficiency will ensure we continue to leverage innovation and collaboration to meet the needs of our residents and businesses. I look forward to working with him in his new and expanded role.”
Hess officially took over the new position in October.