Leonard Named Public Works Director

Jan. 18, 2002

The city of Phoenix has promoted Mark Leonard to director of the Public Works Department. Leonard, who has served as acting public works director since August, 2001, will manage a staff of 925 people and a $130 million budget.

For the last four years, Leonard served as assistant public works director where he was responsible for managing solid waste service delivery including weekly curbside and quarterly uncontained trash collection, household hazardous waste collection events, the recycling program, and landfill and transfer station operations. He also spearheaded the effort to site the solid waste transfer station/recycling facility in north Phoenix and the new landfill, is leading the City Manager's Energy Management Task Force and was chairman of the Downtown District Cooling Task Force.

"Mark possesses the expertise and management experience to continue providing timely and efficient services to our city customers," said Juan Martin, deputy city manager.

"He has worked with virtually every area of the Public Works Department, from trash collection and recycling, to long-term, strategic issues such as energy management and future landfill locations. He will be a tremendous asset to the department and the city," said Martin.

Prior to joining the Public Works Department, Leonard served as deputy director of the city's Budget and Research Department for 10 years and executive director of the Phoenix Arts Commission for one year.

Leonard, who has received four City Manager's Awards for Excellence in Public Service, recently completed the Harvard Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Pennsylvania State University and a master's of public administration from The Institute of Public Administration at Pennsylvania State University.

Media Contact:

Toni Maccarone

602-495-5901