Matt Dolan Bio

Matt Dolan is running for Cuyahoga County Executive to pursue a vision for our County that establishes an honest and efficient government and a thriving, diverse and growing economy and population, making it great place to live for all generations. 

Dolan was elected to three terms in the Ohio Legislature, serving the 98th District, which includes parts of Cuyahoga County and Geauga County.  He served as Chairman of the Finance and Appropriations Committee during his second term, working with Republicans and Democrats to pass a nearly unanimous $54 billion budget that lowered taxes and reduced the size of government. 

As Representative, Dolan supported Northeast Ohio’s business, non-profit and arts and culture communities by ensuring they were allocated proper funding resources.  Dolan was the key sponsor of the Great Lakes Compact, legislation to protect our greatest asset and natural resource, Lake Erie. Dolan was also the primary mover of other visionary legislation.  For example, the Cuyahoga County Landbank, which is fighting foreclosure Countywide by acquiring abandoned properties and returning them to productive use, and the Third Frontier Project, which supports new, creative and innovative companies.

Dolan has a reputation for working in a bi-partisan manner to accomplish what is best for the communities he represents. He recently resigned from the House of Representatives so taxpayers would not pay his salary while he seeks the office of Cuyahoga County Executive. 

Dolan is a graduate of Gilmour Academy, Boston College and Case Western Reserve School of Law.  In addition to his public service, Dolan is a partner at the law firm of Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan.

Dolan is also the Vice President of 7th Avenue Properties, a family run business.  He is a former Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Geauga County and Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio.  Furthermore, Dolan was an Adjunct Professor for Kent State University’s Geauga Campus, teaching criminal justice. 

Dolan is active in the community, serving on several boards, including the Cleveland Chapter American Red Cross, Kent State University’s Geauga Campus and the YMCA Wellness Center.  He is also a member of the Cleveland City Club and
the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.