Above & Beyond Individual Award: Steve Kelly
The Above & Beyond Individual Award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond to ensure our community is a great place to live, work, and own a business. This year, the Milford Miami Township Chamber of Commerce chose two individuals to highlight with this award, as they both stepped into the roles of leading their municipalities with practically no notice – while also maintaining their day jobs – until a replacement was found. It takes strong character, immense organizational skills, and a giving heart to fulfill a second position for the community.
The first individual we’d like to honor with the Above & Beyond Individual Award is Steve Kelly, Miami Township Administrator and Public Safety Director, who stepped into these roles in March of 2024 after serving as the interim since October 2023. Previously, Steve served as the Fire Chief for Miami Township for over the past ten years. “I felt the time was right for me to serve this community in a different capacity,” he states. “Having known and worked in this community, I knew the support that would be here and that the networks I had built could help me be successful in this new role.”
As the Miami Township Administrator, Steve works to support the employees of the organization and the elected officials: “Their priorities reflect those of our residents and businesses,” Steve explains. “We are part of the day-to-day operations team that provides essential services to our growing community.”
Shifting roles from serving as the Fire Chief to Miami Township Administrator was an unexpected but welcome surprise for Steve. Having spent 28 years in the fire service, Steve initially did not see himself doing anything else, as he admits, “I guess I always thought I would have 40-50 years in that profession, but things always change along the way – and usually for the better. While I miss some of the people I worked with, I still get to see them frequently. I’m still a part of an amazing team of professionals who are dedicated to serving this community, I just get to do it in a different way now.” Regardless of what role he fulfills, Steve knows his purpose is to support the community how he can.
Steve says, “There’s nothing better than going home at night or running your business during the day, and only having to think about your family and friends, your home, or your business, and not having to worry about what’s going on around you. You feel safe, protected; the streets are paved, the parks are clean for you to enjoy, and you have amenities around you that give you the freedom to choose what you’d like to do. That’s what is important to me about serving the community in this role.”
Since Steve’s arrival in Miami Township back in 2013, he has felt the support of the community in a myriad of ways, particularly from the care and attention to detail the residents share in ensuring the community is constantly improving. “We have an amazing support network here, and folks are very genuine with their time and input,” he adds. “They reach out to ask questions about everything, which is a great feeling for me – that makes me feel like they are genuinely concerned about things going on in this community, and very interested to hear the truth from the people who are here to provide the answers.”
Steven concludes, “The award for my position is the daily interaction with different people throughout the community, and those I get to work with. Receiving this award is truly an honor for me, not only because I get to receive it alongside Chief Mills, but also because it represents what we do each and every day we come to work: serving others whenever there is a need.”
