As Wayne County Corporation Counsel, James W. Heath serves as the chief legal officer for the state’s largest county, providing legal advice and representing the county’s executive office, departments, agencies, and boards. Heath previously served as the inspector general for the City of Detroit, assistant attorney general for the Michigan Attorney General Criminal and Health Care Fraud divisions, and assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County.

Heath was elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2014. He is a member of the Executive Committee and has served as chair for both the Public Policy and Finance committees.

The Michigan Supreme Court appointed Heath to the newly established Michigan Judicial Council in 2021 to help strategically plan for the judicial branch, enhance the work of the courts, and make recommendations to the Supreme Court on matters pertinent to the administration of justice.

Heath earned his bachelor’s degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University and his law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law. He lives in Detroit and is the father of two: James, 19, and Karon, 17.