On Tuesday the city announced the selection of Daniel Gonzales as its new director of public works, replacing Chester Nakahara who retired this month. Gonzales was unanimously selected from a field of more than 30 candidates. His formal appointment will be considered at the Dec. 21 council meeting.
The selection process involved interviews of the finalists by a panel of staff and residents and separately by the city administrator. Following that process, two candidates were then interviewed by the full city council.
According to the press release, Gonzales holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from San Jose State University. He is a registered civil engineer in the State of California. For the past three years, he has served as the deputy director of public works for the Town of Hillsborough. Prior to this, he worked as a senior engineer with CSG Consultants, working with both public and private sector clients. His experience includes project and construction management as well as the preparation of long term plans for capital improvements.
“We are very excited to have Mr. Gonzales join the Piedmont Public Works team,” said Mayor Teddy Gray King. “His great experience and proven track record of leadership will help our Public Works Department continue to provide excellent service to Piedmonters as well as manage our storm and sanitary sewer systems, street, sidewalk, and park maintenance, as well as
managing upcoming projects like the construction of the Piedmont Community Pool.”
“Daniel will be a tremendous addition to the City team and will no doubt be a strong leader for the Public Works Department,” said City Administrator Sara Lillevand. “His experience and success in the Town of Hillsborough as well as his work in the private sector will translate well to Piedmont.”
“I am honored and excited to have been selected as Piedmont’s Public Works Director,” Mr. Gonzales said. “I am looking forward to serving the Piedmont community and continuing to provide the high standard of service in the Department, as well as diving in to upcoming projects and planning processes.”