City Manager Steve Hall announced today the appointment of Rich Hoey as Olympia’s new Director of Public Works. Hoey has served as Interim Director since January, 2011.
A national search produced 70 candidates from around the country. Ten were identified for initial interviews which were held this week. “After completing the initial interviews, it became clear that Rich is without question the best choice for Olympia,” says Hall. “Rich’s understanding of our community, his compassion for public service and his support and respect for employees are the perfect fit. There is no need to look any further – we have the best person right here.”
A community reception to congratulate Hoey will be on Thursday, March 22, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Olympia City Hall in the Council Chambers, 601 4th Avenue E.
“I’m extremely pleased and honored to serve as Olympia’s Public Works Director,” says Hoey. “As a long-time Olympia resident, I have a passion to see our community thrive. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to lead Public Works forward in providing vital community services and in creating a strong, vibrant and sustainable city.”
Rich Hoey joined the City team in April 2005 as Director of Water Resources. Prior to that, he worked for the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water for 13 years where he served as Deputy Director and Acting Director. Hoey was a U. S. Peace Corps volunteer in the Slovak Republic for two years in the mid-1990s. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is a registered professional engineer in Washington State. Hoey and his wife Stacey Waterman-Hoey live in the South Capitol neighborhood with their two children, Aidan and Willa.
The City of Olympia Public Works Department has 175 employees and a 2012 annual operating budget of $50 million. Public Works staff provide transportation, utility, and construction services to the community. Department staff also maintain much of the City’s vehicle fleet and 19 city buildings and facilities.
