Government and public sector
10 public works management experts
These ten public works directors have led public works departments for cities and counties in their own roles. A reader can learn from them how local public works departments are organized, staffed and run day to day.
Professionals to explore
01—10Brian Dickinson
LinkedInExperience: Public Works Director · City of Sierra Madre
Public Works Director at City of Sierra Madre since February 2026, where the profile describes planning and directing the operation and maintenance of the city's public works, water and wastewater systems through 18 staff members and overseeing a department budget of over $47.7 million. Former Public Works and Utility Services Director at City of Colton (2021–2024).
Dan Merkh
LinkedInExperience: Public Works Director · City of Edgerton, Kansas
Public Works Director at City of Edgerton, Kansas since July 2018, where the profile describes planning, organizing and directing the operations, maintenance and repair of municipal services including city streets and sidewalks. Former Senior Engineering Compliance Specialist at Johnson County Wastewater Dist (2018) and Senior Utilities Engineering Technician at City of Olathe (2008–2017).
Darren D. Owens
LinkedInExperience: Director Of Public Works · City of Lebanon, Ohio - Government
Director Of Public Works at City of Lebanon, Ohio - Government since February 2017, where the profile describes planning, directing and managing the activities, personnel, resources and budget of a Public Works Department of 32 employees with an approximate annual operating budget of $17M. The profile also lists City Engineer at City of Lebanon, Ohio (2002–2017) and City Engineer at City of Lebanon, Ohio - Government since February 2017.
Janet Lundquist
LinkedInExperience: Director of Public Works · Adams County Government
Director of Public Works at Adams County Government since May 2026, where the profile describes executive leadership for transportation, stormwater, engineering, capital improvement and maintenance programs. Former Interim Director of Public Works (2025–2026) and Deputy Director of Public Works (2021–2026) at Adams County Government, and Deputy Director Public Works-Maintenance and Operations at City of Englewood Colorado (2020–2021).
Keith Despain
LinkedInExperience: Director Of Public Works · Vernal City
Director Of Public Works at Vernal City since June 2021, where the profile describes managing infrastructure upgrades, water, sewer, streets, storm drain and motorpool. Former Associate (2018–2021) and Office Manager (2014–2018) at CRS Engineers, and Project Engineer at Engineering Services, Inc. (2007–2013).
Kurt Bovensiep
LinkedInExperience: Public Works Director · City of Troy (Michigan)
Public Works Director at City of Troy (Michigan) since June 2016, where the profile describes managing all divisions and operations of the Troy Department of Public Works, including water, sewer, streets, drains, refuse, recycling, fleet maintenance, parks, transportation and facilities, totaling 149 employees with $125 million annual expenditures.
Mike Payne
LinkedInExperience: Director Of Public Works · City of Janesville
Director Of Public Works at City of Janesville since May 2022, where the profile describes leading a 140+ person Public Works Department covering engineering, planning, building, water and wastewater, operations and parks, with an annual operating budget of approximately $60M and an annual capital budget of approximately $30M. Former City Engineer at City of Janesville (2014–2022).
Mike Pubentz, P.E.
LinkedInExperience: Public Works Director · City of Elgin, IL
Former Public Works Director at City of Elgin, IL (2020–2023) and Public Services Director there since April 2023, where the profile describes leading the Public Works, Water Utility and Engineering departments and conceiving and implementing long-range infrastructure strategy. Former Capital Projects Engineer at City of Elgin, IL (2018–2020).
Rod Hamilton PLS, Np, NIMS
LinkedInExperience: Public Works Director · Clear Creek County
Public Works Director at Clear Creek County since April 2015, where the profile lists administration and management of engineering and surveying, fleet, streets and bridges, storm drainage and weed abatement. Former Superintendent of Public Works at City of La Mesa (2010–2014) and Public Works Director at City of Rifle (2008–2010).
Sharon Duca
LinkedInExperience: Public Works Director · City of Dover Department of Public Works
Public Works Director at City of Dover Department of Public Works since November 2012, where the profile describes oversight and direction of ten divisions providing municipal services, including public works administration and grounds and parks maintenance. Former Interim Public Works Director there (2011–2012) and Water Wastewater Manager at City of Dover Public Utilities Department (2007–2011).
Choose the right perspective
Match the size of the community and department to yours, since running public works for a small town with a few dozen staff differs from leading a department of well over a hundred. Also check which services the person's department covered, such as water and wastewater, streets or fleet, against the ones you need advice on.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you balance routine maintenance against new capital projects when the budget is tight?
- 02How do you decide which infrastructure assets to repair or replace first?
- 03How do you staff and schedule crews for snow, storms and other emergencies without overspending?
Reaching public works management experts
How can I contact one of these public works management experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including City of Sierra Madre; City of Edgerton, Kansas and City of Lebanon, Ohio - Government, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach public works management experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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