Public Works makes leadership change

Darren Schulz is Carson City’s new Public Works director, taking over the role from Andy Burnham after Burnham decided to retire effective June 2.

Burnham’s intent resulted in the pair swapping roles this week as he became Public Works Department deputy chief and Schulz took over as director. Interim City Manager Marena Works made the announcement Thursday, though the switch officially took place Monday.

“I saw no sense in putting the city through the expense,” she said of any search cost, noting the change had been in the works and that an understanding Schulz had been put in the deputy role five years ago with this eventual change in mind. “It’s an appointed position and it doesn’t have to be” advertised, she added.

She said that at a time when the city is going through a search for a new city manager, an added expense didn’t seem prudent.

Burnham, director since 2000, stepped back to the No. 2 departmental role “to facilitate an easy transition,” according to a news release issued by Works.

Schulz has an extensive and pertinent background, according to the release, including 20 years of public works administration, project management, civil engineering design and construction management experience. He has city government experience in both the southern part of the state and in Northern Nevada. He also has private-sector management experience in his field.

Schulz has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Northern Arizona University and is a registered professional engineer in Nevada.