Peoria has a new Public Works Director.
City Manager Patrick Urich says Rick Powers will start his new position on September 3.
“Rick Powers is an accomplished leader with over twenty years of experience,” Urich said. “His extensive experience in public works and state and municipal services will be great strengths in his role in Peoria. I look forward to the continued growth of the Public Works Department under Mr. Powers’ leadership.”
Powers is currently the Deputy Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Transportation. He also spent 13 years with the City of Indianapolis as Director of the Code Enforcement Department, Director of the Audit and Performance Department and Co-Chair of the Super Bowl
Host Committee.
In his current role, Powers is responsible for northwest Indiana’s LaPorte District. This district is responsible for maintaining 5,668 lane miles of state roads, 560 lane miles of interstate, 892 large culverts 824 state bridges, 170 snow routes, 618 traffic signals, 234 flashers, and 58,600 road signs. Additional responsibilities include overseeing a staff of 500 IDOT employees and managing an average annual budget of $300 million dollars.
Powers previously worked in Norfolk, Virginia and Chesapeake, Virginia and served in the United States Marine Corps.
“I am both honored and humbled to be given this opportunity to serve the people of Peoria as your Director of Public Works. Undoubtedly, there are known and unknown challenges/adventures that lie ahead of us,” Power said. “With those, the outcomes will also certainly mean many accomplishments. I view this next chapter of my life as another professional summit, that it must be climbed with certainty to be achieved, and one where I have a particular passion; leadership.”
Powers added, “I am sure I will find an existing amazingly dynamic Public Works team in Peoria.”
“I know that team is the identity of Public Works and a vital part of Peoria communities! Throughout my adult life, be it as a 21-year Marine, or serving in various municipal and State government roles since, I have held true to a guiding principle; leading the correct way is indeed service, with a servant’s heart, and leadership isn’t a thing, it’s almost everything! I look forward to meeting and serving with all of you.”
Powers starting salary will be $145,000.
