The city of Bothell has hired Erin Leonhart as its new director for the Public Works Department. She will start Oct. 18 and will head one of the city’s largest departments. The position has been managed by Deputy City Manager Steve Anderson since March 2010 when the former Public Works director, Doug Jacobson, left to pursue other opportunities.

Selected from among 42 applicants, Leonhart comes to Bothell from the city of Kirkland, where she has held various management positions for the past 13 years, most recently as intergovernmental relations manager. Previously, she was the Public Works Facilities and Environmental Programs manager and also served as the interim Public Works director in 2004. Leonhart has expertise in public-works operations; regional water, wastewater and solid waste issues; and annexation processes. She holds a bachelor of science degree in business from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Washington.

“We are pleased to have Erin Leonhart join the Bothell leadership team,” said Anderson. “Erin is a seasoned professional who brings a diverse background, enthusiasm and an abundance of energy to the position. We are certain that the Bothell community will benefit from her proven ability to provide positive leadership to staff and effectively connect with the citizens.”

Bothell’s Public Works Department employs 75 of the total 297 city employees. The department is responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of the city’s infrastructure such as roads, sewer and water systems. Over the next five to 10 years, $150 million in infrastructure improvements are planned for Bothell’s downtown alone and these projects are managed by the Public Works Department. The department is also responsible for maintaining Bothell’s parks and sportsfields, implementing recreation programs, coordinating large community events like the annual Freedom Fest and managing the city’s vehicle fleet. A new Public Works facility was recently constructed in Canyon Park in partnership with the Northshore School District. The Public Works staff is expected to move into the new facility at the end of October.

“Bothell is a growing city doing exciting things,” said Leonhart. “Public Works has an important role in making the community’s vision a reality and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”