(NEWBERG, OR) – The City of Newberg is pleased to announce that Russ Thomas has been selected as the new Public Works Director for the City of Newberg. Thomas started with the City as a Laborer and has worked in numerous capacities of increasing responsibility during his 41 years serving the City of Newberg. He has worked as the Public Works Maintenance Superintendent since 1997, and was asked to fill the role of Interim Public Works Director upon Jay Harris’ departure at the beginning of April 2020.
The Public Works Director provides leadership and direction to the Public Works Department with responsibility for a full range of public works services through three main divisions: Maintenance, Operations, and Engineering. With Thomas’s long tenure with the City and a vast amount of operational experience, he will be able to provide consistent and innovative leadership.
Thomas has “done it all” in Newberg Public Works. During his career, he has served as a Laborer, Crew Chief, and Superintendent in the Maintenance division and as a Plant Manager and Supervisor in the Operations division. He has built a reputation as a reliable, knowledgeable leader who always seeks to “do more than expected” in each role. Thomas is well thought of by his peers, having served as the Director of the Oregon Utility Notification Center and as President for the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association. In 2019, Thomas was nominated for a National Top Ten Leaders of the Year award through the American Public Works Association.
A long-term resident of Newberg, Thomas has also been heavily involved in the community, serving as the Chairman for the Newberg Old Fashioned Festival, President of the Newberg High School Booster Club, coaching Varsity Baseball at Newberg High School, and coaching Newberg Little Guy Football.
28 individuals applied for the Public Works Director position through a nationwide recruitment conducted on the City’s behalf by The Novak Consulting Group. Newberg City Manager Dan Weinheimer said of Thomas, “Russ stood out among other applicants for his knowledge of Newberg, focus on customer service, adaptability, and dedication to serving our community. He’s a respected leader and has great ideas about how we can continue to improve Public Works service delivery to residents.”
Russ Thomas commented on his new position with the City stating, “I am humbled by the support shown to me by the city staff, and the city manager’s confidence in selecting me as the next Public Works Director. I am excited to be able to continue the work on the solid foundation, programs, and forward looking plans that prior directors have set in motion for the City. I look forward to working with the outstanding public works department staff, and serving my community and its citizens, as we continue the important work to operate and maintain the City’s infrastructure, develop and construct improvements, and plan for our future needs and growth to help enhance the city’s livability and quality of life.”
Thomas, who was serving as the interim Public Works Director, will begin his work as the Public Works Director immediately.
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