Mayor Coleman Names City Council President Kathy Lantry as New Public Works Director

Mayor Coleman Names City Council President Kathy Lantry as New Public Works Director

Interim City Attorney also announced

SAINT PAUL – Mayor Chris Coleman today announced the appointment of City Council President Kathy Lantry as the new Saint Paul Public Works Director. Council President Lantry will remain on the Council until she begins her new position with the City on March 1, 2015.

“As a fellow life-long resident of Saint Paul and after serving 15 years on the city council, no one knows Saint Paul better than Kathy Lantry,” said Mayor Coleman. “Her strong leadership, astute understanding of the department and trusted, longstanding working relationships with city employees make her the ideal candidate to lead the Public Works Department.”

City Council President Kathy Lantry was elected to the Saint Paul City Council in 1998 to represent Ward 7, and was elected President of the Council in 2004. Lantry is a lifelong resident of Saint Paul’s East Side and is an active member of her neighborhood through various volunteer activities. In her role as council president, Lantry has worked to promote core city services and sound fiscal management throughout Saint Paul.

"I have always said that the city's most important job is to focus on core services for our residents, and there is nothing more critical to the success of our community than our infrastructure," said Lantry. "That is why I am excited to take on this challenge. As the department embarks on some major opportunities over the next couple of years, I look forward to working with the Mayor and our terrific Public Works staff to help ensure the city’s infrastructure meets our present and future needs."

Policy Director Nancy Homans has served as interim Public Works director since the departure of Rich Lallier.

“I am extremely grateful to Nancy for lifting up the Public Works Department and leading the team into the winter season and through the first snow emergency,” said Mayor Coleman.

The City Council has 30 days from Lantry’s official resignation to appoint a replacement for her seat.

"While her leadership on the council will be greatly missed, I can think of no better candidate for Mayor Coleman to appoint to lead Public Works than Kathy Lantry,” said Councilmember Chris Tolbert. “This is an incredible coup by Mayor Coleman and Saint Paul residents. Throughout her decades of public service, Kathy has gained the respect and trust of Saint Paul's residents, businesses, public workers and leaders. She will be able to hit the ground running, and the city will benefit from her leadership."

Also occurring this week is the official departure of City Attorney Sara Grewing. Laura Pietan, a 10-year employee of the City Attorney’s Office, will act as interim City Attorney until a permanent replacement is appointed.

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