Southfield appoints new public works director

SOUTHFIELD — The Southfield Department of Public Works has a new director at the helm, tasked with overseeing the city’s many infrastructure-related needs. The DPW has a workforce of more than 70 employees and a $100 million budget.

Patrick Ryan was unanimously approved by the Southfield City Council at its May 2 meeting, bringing to the position 31 years of experience in the public and private sectors. He most recently served the same position in the city of Rochester; prior to that, he served as the public works director for cities in Illinois and Maryland.

“Southfield and Rochester are very much alike in their infrastructure age and needs,” he said in an email interview. “Although less affluent, Southfield stands out for its long-term commitment to improving the roads and underground infrastructure. Southfield also has a history of being creative with financing by coupling state and federal grants to subsidize the costs of these projects, and limiting the financial impact on all taxpayers.”

Ryan described the Southfield DPW as a full-service operation that provides water and sewer services to almost all properties in the city. The DPW also maintains nearly 300 miles of road lanes, as well as the trees and plantings alongside them. In addition, the DPW ensures that the city’s fleet and equipment remain operational and available for emergencies.

“Southfield is very proactive in maintaining and upgrading the water and sewer infrastructure, as well as the streets throughout the city,” Ryan said. “Almost $100 million have been spent or will be spent in 10 years to improve the delivery of clean water and prevent sewer backups, and to provide safe and drivable streets and roadways. Very few communities have undertaken such a massive reinvestment in the community.”

Ryan recounted how he got into the public works field. He was an intern at a city manager’s office in 1985 when one day he was sent out to inspect a roadway construction project.

“I was fascinated by the skill of the machine operators and the technical nature of their jobs,” Ryan said. “From there, I quickly refocused my career towards public works and all the components it entailed. I took numerous classes and training to acquire certificates and licenses involving wastewater and potable water treatment, tree maintenance, distribution systems and landscaping. I became one of the youngest public works directors in Illinois.

“I would encourage anyone interested in public works to get out into the field and learn the skills and techniques required for the positions as soon as possible,” he added. “Seasonal work is a great way to learn the basics and to see if you have a passion for this work that directly benefits residents and businesses. There are incredible training and learning opportunities, both on the job and through community college programs.”

Fred Zorn, the city administrator for Southfield, recommended Ryan’s appointment.

“I am pleased with City Council’s approval of my appointment of Mr. Ryan as the new director of public works,” Zorn said in a statement. “He comes to us with a great deal of experience in all facets of municipal public works, and I am confident that he will be a great asset to the city.”

Ryan said he feels a great honor to have been chosen.

“Most public works professionals strive to find a community that appreciates its many infrastructure needs and is dedicated to improving the quality of services for the homeowners and businesses. Southfield is a diverse community that celebrates its diversity, and strives to provide the highest quality service at the most economical cost,” Ryan said.

“My role is to provide these services as efficiently and effectively as our technology and financing will allow,” he said. “I am fortunate to work with some of the best qualified staff in the area, who also share my commitment to high-quality service delivery.”