City employee Dan Rites became the newest department director for St. Albert this week.
He was promoted from his six-year position as manager of utilities to become director of public works, a position that has been vacant for roughly a month.
Rites could not be reached for comment by press time, but said in a news release that he looked forward to his new opportunity.
“I am excited for the work ahead and enthusiastic to contribute to the department’s vision to ensure St. Albert residents are proud of our parks, facilities, roads and utilities through the provision courteous and efficient services,” he said.
Rites takes over for Glenn Tompolski, who served as director of public works from 2005 until last month. Tompolski was appointed general manager of the infrastructure services division in September.
“I originally hired Dan when I was public works director … about 6.5 years ago,” he said. “He brings a wealth of experience in respect to many aspects of public works operations.”
Tompolski didn’t have any specific advice for Rites, but said he should keep doing what he has been doing during his career with the city.
“He’s got outstanding management skills (and) leadership skills that sort of build upon the changes public works has gone through in the last several years,” he said.
The public works director is responsible for leading and managing operations like utilities, asset management and solid waste to provide residents with adequate facilities, parks and infrastructure.
This announcement comes weeks after city manager Patrick Draper revamped the city’s organization chart.
The planning and development department transitioned to the planning and engineering department, led by Curtis Cundy, and is no longer responsible for transit, public works and the office of the environment.
Transit and public works now fall under the infrastructure services division, while the office of the environment now reports directly to Draper.
