Bob Hammond named Cedar Rapids Public Works director

CEDAR RAPIDS — Bob Hammond on Wednesday became the new public works director for the city of Cedar Rapids.

In that role, Hammond will direct the public works staff of about 200, which oversees engineering, traffic, streets, real estate and right of way, sewer and administration.

"Public service is a noble profession and deserves our best efforts at all times,” Hammond said in a statement. “I look forward to joining the dynamic city of Cedar Rapids team and applying my diverse public works experience to the greatest benefit of all Cedar Rapids citizens and businesses.”

Hammond comes to Cedar Rapids from Kennewick, Wash., where he had been public works director and city manager.

He previously was energy services director for the city of Richland, Wash., an executive consultant for Financial Consulting Services and interim public works director for the city of Blaine, Wash.

Hammond’s annual salary will be $156,591, according to the city.

Hammond succeeds Jen Winter, who resigned and moved to Florida after leading the city’s Public Works Department since 2015. She played a central role in responding to natural disasters — efforts to stave off the 2016 flood and respond to the 2020 derecho.

“Bob brings vast technical and management experience to the city of Cedar Rapids in order to provide leadership and direction to the Public Works Department and its various divisions,” City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said in a statement.

“His experiences fit well with the city’s work on flood control, Paving for Progress, and the Public Works department’s upcoming accreditation approval process.”

Cedar Rapids paid Ohio-based Novak Consulting Group $24,500 plus advertising and other expenses for the nationwide search.

Hammond received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Idaho. He is a licensed civil engineer in Washington state.

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