Caitlyn Williams, Summer 2017

“Whatever the mind can believe and conceive, the mind can achieve” - Robert L. Davis. This is a quote that the director of Public Utilities stated multiple times. Having the opportunity to interview the director was amazing! Most youth and adults do not get the opportunity to interview such people in the role of a director. However, I was blessed to sit down and have a nice conversation with the director.

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 As I sat and interviewed Director Davis he expressed his thoughts about Cleveland, our youth, and his life as the Director of Public Utilities. Director Davis explained to me that he never thought he’d become the Director of The Department of Public Utilities, but he always wanted to go into the field of management. He was able to reach this position as director by working his way up the ladder. Before Davis was the director he had a variety of jobs with the city achieving goals that were set constantly.

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Listening to Robert L. Davis inspired me tremendously. He taught me that you can achieve anything you put your mind too. By him being an African American his words meant something more to me. It is extremely rare to find an African American male in higher positions. Considering the fact that Davis has overcome certain obstacles because of his race and color of his skin is truly amazing to me. It takes a strong man to conquer those type of challenges and he has proven that he can.

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When Davis was asked what was his favorite part of his job he explained that he loves being able to make a difference in people’s lives when it pertains to the quality of life. This tells me that he loves helping out and making others happy. Without his help how would our public utilities be managed?

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Our Public Utilities Director has given our youth many words of wisdom and advice. He shared that we need to listen, stay engaged and learn as much as we can. Director Davis also stated that we should never let anyone tell us we can’t do anything. Use the doubt as motivation to excel.

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At last it was absolutely stunning that I was able to interview the director. Interviewing him has made me see things on a broader scale and outlook as well. He definitely represents our city in a friendly, and appropriate manner.

Interviewer: What is your favorite part of your job?

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Director Davis: The favorite part of my job is to provide water, sewer, and electric services to our customers because it has a direct impact on the quality of life. Nothing gets me more excited than being able to make a difference as it relates to the quality of life. That’s number one for me.

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Interviewer: What is your educational background?

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Director Davis: I went to West Virginia University after graduating from high school and received my bachelors of science degree in business administration and went on to receive my master’s in public administration from the same school. I also knew that someday I wanted to be in management as well.

Interviewer: What steps did you take to get to this position?

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Director Davis: What I have done to get to my position today is work my way up through the ranks. I started off as a laborer in the water department. I went from a laborer to a pipe repairman, to a backhoe operator, to a meter reader, to a customer service rep, to a plant operations, to superintendent of operations, and finally to director. I have been a director of theCity of Youngstown and also the City of Warren. Being the director of those cities is what really equipped me to have the role of being a director of the Department of Public of Utilities for the City of Cleveland.

Interviewer: What is the best advice you could give the youth of Cleveland?

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Director Davis: For our youth today you need to listen and learn as much as you can. Always stay engaged and never let anyone tell you that you “can’t” do anything. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve. You can be whatever you want to be.

Interviewer: What are your goals for the current youth programs?

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Director Davis: We have many programs going on. However, my main goal is to continue to see them evolve, and I believe it’s happening now. I just want to see our youth going in a great path and receive the education and knowledge to be successful in life because the youth is our future and we have to invest in you guys.

Interviewer: Do you see potential growth from the City of Cleveland?

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Director Davis: Yes. The City of Cleveland is a great City. Cleveland is very vibrant and there is always opportunities available. Our city is continuing to thrive as well. It’s a great city on a great lake.

Interviewer: What is currently in the works for young professionals through your committee membership?

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Director Davis: The programs we have are what we are really focused on. Everyone will not go to college so these programs are geared to show what other career opportunities are out there.

Interviewer: How important is education to you?

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Director Davis: Education is the key to success. I believe education is knowledge and knowledge is power. It is definitely critical and needed if you want to be successful in today’s society.

Interviewer: When you look at your life, what would you say makes a good role model?

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Director Davis: A good role model leads by example in a positive way. You try be the best you can. If you want be the best role model, be the best you! Don’t try being someone that you aren’t.

Interviewer: How can the youth help improve the City of Cleveland?

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Director Davis: The youth are the key to our future. If they can stay engage in the process and always put in hard work then you all can make a difference.