Ankeny Public Works Director Appointed Assistant City Manager

The director of Ankeny's Public Works Department has been promoted to assistant city manager.

Paul Moritz, who has been with the city since 2005, will take over the position on April 15. He is replacing outgoing Assistant City Manager Curtis Brown, who is leaving for a similar position with the city of Urbandale.

"It is a great honor and privilege to have been selected to serve the City Council and the citizens of Ankeny as their new assistant city manager," Moritz said in a news release issued by the city. “I am looking forward to this opportunity and am committed to continuing the good work of those that preceded me in this position."

As assistant city manager, Moritz will be responsible for management oversight of municipal utilities, planning amd building, parks and recreation and public works.

Moritz has more than 20 years of experience in public service and holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University and an A.A.S. in civil engineering from Hawkeye Institute of Technology.

Moritz will continue to directly oversee the public works department until a permanent director can be recruited. His annual salary will be $114,657, the release said.

City Manager Jim Spradling said Moritz has established himself as an excellent manager of both people and projects.

"He is judicious in the use of City resources and has established himself as a valued member of the City’s Capital Improvements planning team," Spradling said. "I have every confidence that Paul will continue to help lead the city in our continuing efforts toward more efficient and effective local government."