The City of Manhattan has named an interim director of Public Works.
Lynden Lawson will assume duties starting Friday. He previously was the Public Works Deputy Director for the City of Joplin, Missouri for 10 years after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps. He has been Interim Public Works Administrator for Manhattan since September 25.
“It has been great having Lynden on board, assisting with our Public Works Department operations and administrative needs at a very busy time,” said Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr. “His knowledge and experience in an Interim Director capacity will serve us well going forward.”
Lawson will work with City Engineer Brian Johnson and Assistant Director of Utilities Randy DeWitt to evaluate the department’s current organizational structure and operational needs.
The director position has been vacant since the passing of longtime Public Works Director Robert Ott in mid-October.
Lawson holds a bachelor of science degree in management from University of Phoenix, graduating in 2004; a master of science degree in homeland security and safety engineering from National University, graduating in 2009; and a master of science degree in human resources development from Pittsburg State University, graduating in 2012. He also is a member of the American Public Works Association (APWA), American Society for Training and Development (ATD), and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
“I am truly honored to be selected as the Interim Director of Public Works for the City of Manhattan,” Lawson said. “I have the utmost respect for the people who live and work here and call Manhattan home. Manhattan reminds me a lot of Joplin and I am proud to serve this community, serve the employees I am working with, and help guide the Public Works Department through this transition period. Public service is an honor, and I am humbled by the faith the city manager has placed in me.”
