As Deputy Director for Operations, Steve Bennett oversees the day-to-day operations of Safer Downtown, working to keep Downtown Columbus safe, clean, and welcoming for residents, employees, and visitors alike. Steve joined Safer Downtown in 2026, bringing a career built on protecting communities at every level, from the neighborhood to the national stage.

Most recently, Steve served as Security Operations Manager at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, following earlier roles as a criminal intelligence analyst for the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. He also owns a Columbus-based small business training law enforcement in intelligence analysis and investigative techniques and has partnered with organizations like the Cuyahoga County Heroin and Opioid Task Force and the Worthington CARES Coalition to help combat accidental overdoses and address public health concerns.

Steve has served in the Ohio National Guard since 2010, currently supporting cyberspace operations, and holds a BA in International Studies with a specialization in Security and Intelligence from The Ohio State University.

Whether in people’s homes, schools, or Downtown, Steve is driven by helping people feel safe and secure. He lives in Columbus with his wife and two children.