The three finalists for Springfield’s new Public Works director will meet with the public tonight inside the Busch Municipal Building.
The city has conducted a nationwide search to replace former director Phil Broyles, who passed away earlier this year.
On Tuesday, three individuals with local ties were named as finalists. They are Becky Baltz, district engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Southwest District; Jonathan Gano, interim co-director of Public Works; and Dan Smith, highway administrator for Greene County. They were among 23 considered by a search committee.
Baltz has held her position for nine years, and is a graduate of the Missouri University of Science and Technology where she earned degrees in both Civil Engineering and Engineering Management.
Throughout the years, Baltz has served in various positions, including design, traffic, planning and leadership. She has been named as one of the most influential women by both the Joplin Business Journal (2010) and the Springfield Business Journal (2012).
Gano has been with the Springfield Public Works Department for 10 years, overseeing the care, maintenance and construction of the City of Springfield’s infrastructure. He became assistant director in 2010 after serving as the superintendent of streets and working in the Street Maintenance Division.
Gano received a degree in civil engineering from United States Military Academy and a master's degree in engineering management from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He is also a registered professional engineer in the state of Missouri.
A MoDoT employee since 1993, Smith is responsible for all operations of the Greene County Highway Department including the 1,250 miles of roadway and 200 bridges it maintains.
His titles have included project manager, assistant highway administrator and currently highway administrator. Smith received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Missouri S&T in 1992 and is a licensed professional engineer.
The candidates will participate in a day-long interview process, where they will meet with Public Works department staff, the city’s leadership team, and City Manager Greg Burris.
The public will also have a chance to meet with the finalists on Wednesday night from 5 to 6:30 in the fourth floor conference room Busch Municipal Building.