Sass Named New Public Works Director For Everett

After a nationwide search the City of Everett turned in-house for a new director of Public Works. Here’s the information from the city.

Mayor Cassie Franklin has selected Ryan Sass to serve as Everett Public Works director, following a national search. Sass is currently Everett’s city engineer.

“Ryan brings with him a record of project accomplishment and a focus on continuous process improvement within the department,” said Franklin. “Our national search brought forward a strong field of highly qualified candidates, and Ryan’s effective leadership and communication skills are among many qualities that set him apart from the others.”

In his role as city engineer, Sass oversees the engineering division of the department, implementing the $20 million annual capital improvement program, including the City’s transportation improvement program. Notable recent projects completed under his direction include the award-winning Broadway Bridge replacement, the I-5/41^st Street Interchange and development of the Phil Johnson ballfields. Sass also oversaw the development of the City’s traffic network and first bicycle master plan.

“My leadership focus is on building relationships with colleagues throughout the City, and that has led to many gratifying opportunities to collaborate for the public’s benefit,” said Sass. “We serve a wonderful community that is patient and gracious to us as we go about our work – which is often disruptive and messy. I am eager to bring my community-focused approach to make a positive difference on a larger scale.”

Sass is a licensed civil engineer who began his career with the City in 1992 as an engineer in the parks department, after rising from project engineer to corporate officer at a private Seattle-area consulting engineering firm. He became city engineer in 2004 following 12 years of progressive responsibility at the parks department, concluding as assistant parks director.

“I have a passion for the need and responsibility to protect Everett’s truly exceptional infrastructure,” said Sass. “I’m impressed and awed by the people who came before me and their vision and preparation for the future needs of the people of this city. I will strive to continue to make what we have better through well-thought-out improvements.”

As director, Sass will oversee a team of nearly 300 that includes operational and maintenance crews, administrative staff, scientists, engineers and technicians. Everett’s Public Works department manages the City’s permit services and utilities functions, as well as the transportation system. When he takes the helm, one of Sass’ responsibilities will be to work with City administration to evaluate and prioritize the implementation of the operational and organizational review of the department conducted this year. Matrix Consulting Group is expected to finalize the report by the end of 2018.

Paul Kaftanski has served as interim public works director for most of the year, and will work closely with Sass during the transition. Kaftanski will continue his role as executive director, overseeing Everett Transit and the facilities, motor vehicle and public works departments.