MLK Convocation Speaker

The 2008 MLK Convocation speaker will be Kevin L. Boyce.

Kevin L. Boyce joined City Council in September 2000. As chair of Council's Finance Committee and the Zoning Committee, he focuses on effective management and youth programming, believing: "We need to show citizens that government can work effectively and efficiently like the best businesses, and serve as a shining example for young people." Boyce worked with the administration to establish the Columbus Youth Commission, a 21-member group of community active youths and students who advise the Mayor and City Council on youth-related issues.

Knowing that effective public safety efforts go beyond traditional programs such as police, and that summer athletic programs give youth healthy alternatives and opportunities, Boyce worked to restore funding for Recreation and Parks in 2003 and 2004. He also increased funding for park maintenance and kept a senior/family center targeted for closure open.

In May 2004, the National Council of Negro Women presented Boyce its Community Service Plaque in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to the young people of our community." And in November 2004, he was honored by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in partnership with Leadership, At Its Best, LLC. as an outstanding role model for young men.

The City's strained budget prompted Boyce to kick-off Council's operational and efficiency review committee in 2004 to identify with the administration ways to cut costs through changes in operational practices. Current focus is on energy management, the adoption of best practices, increased attention to worker safety issues to reduce workers' compensation costs, and finding communications efficiencies. The latter focus follows Council's direction to lower citywide, non-safety-related, cell phone usage in 2003.

Prior to his stint on Council, Boyce served as Chief of Staff for the minority caucus of the Ohio House of Representatives. He led the Ohio Legislative Black caucus, where he planned and directed the operation of the organization.

A graduate of Columbus East High School, Boyce holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Masters degree in Public Administration.