For Immediate Release: August 14, 2020
Director of Public Works Chester Nakahara, in a letter to City Staff and Council, announced his intent to retire from his position effective December 22, 2020.
When he retires, Mr. Nakahara will have spent more than 23 years as a City of Piedmont employee and ten of those as Director of Public Works. Prior to being hired by the City, he volunteered in the City for many years, including being a Park Commissioner and serving on the Main Park Renovation Task Force, and the Dracena Park Quarry Renovation Committee.
“I can’t tell you how fast that time has gone by. Much of the reason it has gone by so quickly is that I’ve always considered my work for the City a dream, not a job,” said Nakahara. “This is due to the privilege I’ve had of working with the great people who help run the City. This includes the members of Council, commissions, committees, volunteers, and of course, the dedicated staff. So it is with deep appreciation and a never-ending thank you for everyone’s collaboration, patience, trust, and friendship that you have shown me during my time with the City of Piedmont. I will never forget the great people I’ve worked with and the richness of this experience.”
“Piedmont has benefitted greatly from Chester’s leadership,” said City Administrator Sara Lillevand. “For more than 20 years, Chester has worked tirelessly to maintain and improve our City’s infrastructure. His efforts to maintain high service levels, excellent public facilities, and to make Piedmont a better place for its residents will not soon be forgotten. We will all miss his calm and competent demeanor, professional leadership and optimistic outlook and I will personally miss his guidance and friendship.”
Mr. Nakahara will remain with the City until December 22nd and recruitment for a new Director of Public Works will commence immediately.
Contact: John O. Tulloch
(510) 420-3040
Thank you, Chester, for your years of service. You always responded quickly and WARMLY. You will be missed. Thank you!
Both Chester and Megan have served Piedmont so beautifully over the years. Megan was the warm and welcoming school secretary I met when our oldest started in a Speial Ed Pre-K class held at Beach School. Chester was always responsive to inquires and explained complicated issues very clearly. It is the end of an era for Piedmont. God Speed you two!