Salina has a new director of public works.
In a release this afternoon the City of Salina announced that City Manager Mike Schrage had appointed Jim Teutsch as the new director of public works.
The search for the director of public works position generated 24 candidates from across the country.
Teutsch has served as operations manager within the Public Works Department since 2008. His duties have included management of the streets, sanitation, solid waste/landfill, traffic control, flood control and central garage divisions.
Along with his public works experience, Teutsch served in the United States Army for more than 22 years, with numerous roles in leadership, instruction, training, operations, and development. He retired from the Army with the rank of Sergeant Major. His background also includes civilian roles as technical director and operations officer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in operations management from Empire State College, and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from American InterContinental University.
In 2020, the governor appointed Teutsch to the Solid Waste Grants Advisory Committee, and he is a lifetime member of the Army Engineer Association.
"Jim’s breadth of knowledge in public works and of our organization gave him the advantage. He has consistently applied himself not only in the many facets of day-to-day operations, but also with numerous projects during his tenure here. His professional, methodical approach and eye for detail contribute to his success," Schrage said. "It is exciting when we can provide new opportunities for our employees and I look forward to working with Jim in his new role.”
Teutsch succeeds Jim Kowach in the director role, which has been vacant since Kowach’s retirement last September. Teutsch will transition to the new role immediately.