Mark Russell is the new Olympia Public Works director

Mark Russell is Olympia's new Public Works director, City Manager Jay Burney announced at Tuesday's city council meeting.

"I conducted a nationwide search and found that we had exactly what we needed right here," Burney told the city council as he announced Russell's appointment.

According to Burney, Russell has been with the city for 16 years but has 30 years of experience in the public works profession.

"He is known to be a problem solver, a calm voice under pressure. Several Public Works employees told me one of the most technically proficient engineers they have ever worked with," Burney said of Russell.

Russell took the role as the department's interim director in August 2022, when former Public Works Director Rich Hoey accepted his appointment as the new assistant city manager for Community Vitality.

Russell acknowledged Assistant Managers Debbie Sullivan and Hoey for mentoring him.

"I would not be ready for this role if it wasn't for their advice and guidance in the past 16 years that I've worked with them," Russel said, who also thanked his wife for her support.

"I am truly honored to be Olympia's Public Works director," Russell added. "Public Works provides foundational services for our community by building and maintaining key infrastructure throughout the city. I'm excited to have the opportunity to lead this awesome group of professionals that do this work every day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week."