Harford County Executive Barry Glassman has named Joseph J. Siemek to the post of director of Public Works effective June 20.
Siemek is an award-winning professional engineer with 35 years of management and consulting experience in public works projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Locally, he was KCI Technologies' project director for Harford County's broadband project known as the Harford Area Metro Network, of HMAN. He is a 20-year resident of Harford County.
The DPW post has been vacant for several months following the departure of Tim Whittie, who left to become public works director for the City of Havre de Grace. The department has been headed on a temporary basis by Jeff Stratmeyer, who is chief engineer for roads and bridges.
Siemek will serve on an acting basis until his appointment is confirmed by the County Council.
According to a county government announcement of the appointment, Siemek's comprehensive experience includes management and engineering for projects involving water, sewer, storm water management, highways, solid waste, construction management, telecommunications and environmental services. Major clients have included Anne Arundel and Howard counties, Baltimore City, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, and the U.S. Department of Defense. His recognitions include the 2014 Honor Award for Innovative Excellence in Engineering Design from the American Council of Engineering Companies Maryland.
Siemek has spent 12 years at the national engineering, consulting and construction firm KCI Technologies, Inc. His responsibilities included leadership positions in public utilities design and construction business units. He directed program management, technical production and financial management for utility engineering, as well as construction services for communications, fiber optic, electric, conduit and gas system facilities.
Siemek earned a master's degree in business administration from Loyola University Maryland and a bachelor's degree in engineering science from The Johns Hopkins University with a concentration in environmental engineering. He a licensed professional engineer in Maryland and Virginia and has authored and presented technical programs at national, regional and local conferences. He lives in Bel Air with his wife Beth and their three children, Adam, Garrett and Hailey.
"Joe Siemek's wealth of experience with a broad spectrum of public works projects will make him an asset to my administration," Glassman said in a statement. "I am pleased to have found such expertise in a Harford County resident who shares our commitment to the community."