New Director of Operations, Water Utilities Appointed in Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, CA- Nelson Fialho, City Manager for Pleasanton, today announced the appointment of Kathleen Yurchak to the position of Director of Operations and Water Utilities for the City of Pleasanton.

“I am pleased to announce Kathleen Yurchak as Pleasanton’s Director of Operations and Water Utilities. She has distinguished herself as the most knowledgeable in organizational management, strategic planning, infrastructure planning, budgeting and human resources, as well as having a deep understanding and appreciation for the work performed at the Operation Services Center,” Fialho said.

The Director of Operations and Water Utilities oversees the City’s largest department, which consists of nearly 100 full-time equivalent positions and has a total operating budget of $63 million. The department includes the operational and maintenance functions of utilities (water and sewer), streets, sign shop, parks, support services and fleet, environmental services, and the customer service center (utility billing and meter reading). Kathleen will also be at the forefront of shaping local and regional water policies in partnership with Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD), Zone 7 Water Agency, the region’s water wholesaler, and the cities of Dublin, Livermore and San Ramon.

Roughly 60 applicants participated in the recruitment process, out of which 8 were invited to interview. Two panel interviews were held with a mix of City department heads, a general manager from a nearby water agency and a community member.

Kathleen has been in public service for 18 years, the last eight of which have been with the City of Pleasanton. She served as the Assistant Director of Operations since 2013 and prior to that, she was the Community Services Manager for the City’s Department of Community Service from 2007 to 2013, where she demonstrated the clear management and leadership skills needed for this new position.

“The director for the Operation Services Center has to possess a unique skill set to handle the breadth and depth of a department responsible for every essential service the City provides. In a highly competitive field, Kathleen emerged as the finalist by distinguishing herself as the most qualified,” Fialho concluded.

Announcement submitted by City of Pleasanton

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