The Detroit Bar Association Foundation will honor Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans with the 21st Annual Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award during a fundraising gala on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Detroit Yacht Club. The award will be presented by Hon. Dennis W. Archer, former mayor of Detroit and justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.

The Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award recognizes attorneys and jurists who exemplify the highest ideals of the law as a form of public service. As this year’s honoree, Evans has dedicated more than five decades to serving the people of Wayne County, leading with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Since taking office as Wayne County Executive in 2015, Evans has guided the county through historic challenges — including economic recovery and public health crises — while restoring financial stability and public trust. His administration has achieved 10 consecutive balanced budgets, eliminated a looming financial collapse, and delivered budget surpluses, increased pension funding, and reduced unfunded healthcare liabilities by nearly $1 billion.

Prior to his election as county executive, Evans served as Wayne County sheriff (2003–2009), chief of special operations for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and director of Community Justice. Among his many initiatives, Evans established the Indigent Defense Services Department in 2020 to strengthen access to justice and founded the Wayne County Millennial Advisory Council in 2022 to engage the next generation of leaders.

He also championed the $850,000 restoration of Hamtramck Stadium, home of the historic Detroit Stars of the Negro Leagues, and was honored in April 2022 when the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport’s North Terminal was renamed the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal in recognition of his lifelong public service.

“His commitment to the law, the community, and to public service makes all of us at the Detroit Bar Association and Foundation proud to name him as the 21st recipient of the Archer Award,” said Tracey Cooley, Executive Director of the Detroit Bar Association & Foundation.

Proceeds from the gala will support the Foundation’s free legal clinics and community outreach programs throughout the Detroit metropolitan area.

Also to be recognized at the event are the recipients of the 2025 Corporate Citizen Outreach Awards, which honor organizations for their public service and community contributions:

• 123NET Legal Department

• City of Detroit Law Department

• Downtown Detroit Partnership

• Wheat, Inc. (Women Healing Eternally & Transforming)

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