Ingham County Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ingham County has 5 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, information technology, health department fiscal management, and administrative leadership.

Committed to public service excellence, Ingham County maintains robust infrastructure and essential community programs to support the diverse needs of residents across the Michigan region.

Leadership Roles at Ingham County

  • Chief Financial Officer - Eric Thelen
  • Chief Financial Officer, Health Department - John Jacobs
  • President - John Paolo
  • President - Deborah Miller
  • Chief Information Officer - Deborah Fett
  • Eric Thelen - Chief Financial Officer

    Eric Thelen, the Chief Financial Officer at Ingham County, manages the comprehensive fiscal health of the organization. Thelen directs the annual budget process, ensuring tax revenue allocation aligns with public service mandates. By monitoring expenditure patterns across all departments, the Chief Financial Officer maintains strict compliance with state financial regulations. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Commissioners to secure long-term economic stability for the region. Eric Thelen also oversees the procurement division, optimizing vendor contracts to maximize taxpayer value. Through rigorous auditing and transparent reporting, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards public assets. Thelen implements advanced forecasting models to anticipate revenue fluctuations, allowing for agile adjustments in service delivery. By prioritizing fiscal responsibility, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that Ingham County remains a stable and efficient entity for all citizens.

    John Jacobs - Chief Financial Officer, Health Department

    John Jacobs, the Chief Financial Officer, Health Department at Ingham County, manages the complex financial landscape of public health initiatives. Jacobs directs the allocation of grant funding and state subsidies, ensuring that critical health programs receive necessary resources. Overseeing the fiscal operations of the department, the Chief Financial Officer, Health Department monitors clinical billing cycles and operational expenses. This leadership role involves analyzing health service demand to optimize staffing and resource distribution. John Jacobs also coordinates with state health agencies to ensure compliance with reporting standards and funding requirements. By implementing cost-saving measures in medical supply procurement, the Chief Financial Officer, Health Department maximizes the impact of every dollar spent on community wellness. Jacobs provides detailed financial insights to the health board, facilitating data-driven decisions that improve public health outcomes across the entire county.

    John Paolo - President

    John Paolo, the President at Ingham County, provides executive oversight for the strategic direction of the organization. Paolo directs the implementation of county-wide policies, ensuring that administrative actions align with the mission of serving the population of 280,895. Overseeing the coordination between various departments, the President facilitates cross-functional collaboration to solve complex regional challenges. This leadership role involves representing the county in high-level discussions with state officials and community stakeholders. John Paolo also monitors the progress of major infrastructure projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards. By fostering a culture of accountability, the President drives performance improvements across all government sectors. Paolo evaluates the effectiveness of public programs, adjusting strategies to meet the changing needs of the community. Through decisive leadership, the President ensures that the organization remains focused on delivering high-quality services to all residents.

    Deborah Miller - President

    Deborah Miller, the President at Ingham County, manages the external relations and community engagement strategies for the organization. Miller directs initiatives that promote public participation in local governance, ensuring that resident feedback informs policy development. Overseeing the communications department, the President crafts messaging that highlights the value of county services and programs. This leadership role involves building partnerships with local businesses and non-profit organizations to support economic development efforts. Deborah Miller also leads the legislative advocacy team, representing the interests of the county at the state level. By analyzing demographic trends, the President identifies emerging community needs and directs resources toward proactive solutions. Miller ensures that all public outreach efforts remain inclusive and transparent. Through strategic communication and community building, the President strengthens the connection between the government and the citizens, fostering a more engaged and informed public.

    Deborah Fett - Chief Information Officer

    Deborah Fett, the Chief Information Officer at Ingham County, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern government operations. Fett directs the implementation of secure data networks, protecting sensitive resident information from emerging cyber threats. Overseeing the IT department, the Chief Information Officer modernizes legacy systems to improve accessibility for public services. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to integrate software solutions that streamline administrative workflows. Deborah Fett also manages the county-wide telecommunications strategy, ensuring reliable connectivity across all regional facilities. By deploying cloud-based platforms, the Chief Information Officer enhances data transparency and operational efficiency. Fett evaluates new technology investments to ensure alignment with the long-term digital transformation goals of the organization. Through consistent innovation, the Chief Information Officer maintains a resilient technological foundation that supports the evolving needs of the community.
    Deborah Fett

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ingham County Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ingham County?
    Ingham County is led by Eric Thelen (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as John Jacobs (Chief Financial Officer, Health Department) and John Paolo (President).
    Who is part of Ingham County’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ingham County includes leaders such as Eric Thelen (Chief Financial Officer), John Jacobs (Chief Financial Officer, Health Department), John Paolo (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ingham County have?
    Ingham County has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ingham County’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ingham County includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Health Department, President, President, Chief Information Officer.