San Jose public works director named
Originally published by the San Jose Mercury News Sept. 13, 2011.
By John Woolfolk
San Jose officials on Tuesday appointed Dave Sykes as the city’s director of public works, making him the official head of a department where he has served as acting director since December.
City Manager Debra Figone announced that the City Council confirmed her selection of Sykes, a 24-year veteran of the department. She noted that during his tenure, the department successfully completed $700 million in new public safety, parks and library facilities.
“Dave has a long-standing commitment to the city and the community, and has a proven track-record of strong and effective management,” Figone said in a statement.
Sykes took over after former director Katy Allen retired. The city has largely wrapped up its “decade of investment” that saw construction of a new city hall, an airport makeover and new libraries, parks and police and fire stations. Sykes will officially assume the helm as the department embarks on an expansion project for the McEnery San Jose Convention Center and an overhaul of the Water Pollution Control Plant.
“I am really excited about continuing my career here,” Sykes said, “and leading Public Works through the challenges that lay ahead.”
Sykes, who is president of the Santa Clara County Municipal Public Works Officials, has a master’s degree in civil engineering from San Jose State. He will earn $183,000 a year.
Contact John Woolfolk at 408-975-9346.