Retiring Public Works Director Honored After 38 Years Of Service In SMC

REDWOOD CITY, CA — San Mateo County Supervisors in late March recognized Public Works Director upon her retirement, celebrating a 38-year career that saw her rise from an entry-level engineering aide to leading the Peninsula’s largest public works agency.

The Board unanimously approved a resolution honoring Ann M. Stillman, a registered civil engineer, after which dozens of her department's employees gathered to congratulate her. Stillman, who started with the County in 1987 after graduating from Humboldt State University, was one of the department's first female engineers and later its director.

"Thirty-eight years — really remarkable," said Supervisor Jackie Speier. "From an extra help senior engineer aide right out of college to running the department is an incredible trajectory.”

Stillman, who became interim director in 2021 and was confirmed as director in 2022, led a department with over 300 employees and a $219 million annual budget. Her responsibilities covered everything from pothole repair and managing 316 miles of County roads to overseeing the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay airports and major infrastructure projects.

“I love connecting dots. I love strategizing. I love solving problems,” Stillman said. “The work is always interesting, exciting.”

Supervisors praised her dedication, leadership, and the broad scope of her work across the county.

"From the Pacific Coast to the Bay, and every pothole in between, you navigated the landscape beautifully and with incredible skill," said Supervisor Ray Mueller.

Supervisor Lisa Gauthier also recognized Stillman’s role as a mentor.

“You built lasting projects, led with collaboration and care and made an impact not only across roads and families but also in the many people you mentored,” she said.

Stillman's final day with the County is Monday, March 30.

Following a nationwide recruitment, the Board also confirmed Tory Newman as the next director of Public Works.

Newman, who brings nearly 25 years of experience and over seven years with the County, previously served as deputy director overseeing facilities.

In a related action, the Board designated Krzysztof Lisaj as County Engineer and Roads Commissioner.