|
Date: June 17, 2020
Rutan selected as new Assistant Director/County Engineer at Kitsap County Public Works
(Port Orchard, WA) - Kitsap County Public Works recently announced that Joseph (Joe) P. Rutan has accepted the position of Assistant Public Works Director – County Road Engineer. Joe is replacing long-time Assistant Director/County Engineer Jon Brand, who retires June 17
Rutan served as the Whatcom County Road Engineer and leader of the Whatcom County Road Department the past seventeen years. He has over 30 years of public works experience with Whatcom County, the City of Bellingham, and Washington State’s Department of Transportation. Rutan has executed the full scope of the essential duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Public Works Director and Road Engineer for Kitsap County.
Rutan managed the County Road Fund and related programs for Whatcom County. He experienced many of the same challenges facing Kitsap County today. Rutan is experienced with revenue sources, grant programs, and authorities for establishing new revenue streams. He also has experience shaping programs, determining appropriate levels of service delivery, and engaging with the legislative authority and public to relate the challenge.
“Joe exhibits a sincere commitment to public service and has real enthusiasm for project development with public engagement,” said Andrew Nelson, Public Works Director. “He is skilled in staff development and career-building, and has the high-energy level needed to balance the priorities of the County Engineer,” said Nelson.
Rutan is a University of Washington graduate, though he says he currently is writing checks to WSU for his twin sons, so he is claiming temporary Cougarship. He enjoys skiing when he can’t ride his motorcycle and riding when he can’t ski! He enjoys the outdoors claiming that if it is an outdoor activity, he’s either done it, is doing it, or wants to do it in the future.
“I’m excited for an opportunity to use my experiences in Kitsap County,” said Rutan. Rutan developed and executed capital programs and led the operations and maintenance programs for roads, streets, stormwater infrastructure and utility systems at both the City and County level. “Whatcom County is like Kitsap in many ways,” according to Rutan. “It rests on Puget Sound marine shoreline, has networks of fish bearing waters, and has urbanizing land use development challenges competing with a constituency wanting to retain the rural nature of the region,” he added. “Rutan’s experience makes him well-qualified to lead our efforts to address our challenges here in Kitsap County,” added Nelson.
|
