Waco will soon launch a search for a new public works director after Amy Burlarley-Hyland resigned last week after nearly four years in the role.
Charles Leist, current Assistant Director of Public Services, will serve as interim Director of Public Works.
“We are grateful for Amy Burley-Hyland's dedicated service to Waco and her thoughtful leadership on many important initiatives throughout her tenure with the city,” City Manager Bradley Ford wrote in a statement.
Burlarley-Hyland began serving as deputy director of public works in 2018 and was hired as the department's director in 2020.
In her resignation letter, Burlarley-Hyland did not provide a specific reason for her resignation, but said she is incredibly proud of the work her department was able to accomplish during her tenure, including developing programs to to pavement management and bridge maintenance, a new watershed protection division and a master plan for an intelligent transportation system.
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In this 2016 photo, a City of Waco public works employee works on a sign at New Road and Waco Drive.
Rod Aydelotte, Tribune-Herald file photo
Over the past six years, the city received multiple grants that allowed public works to improve safety on Waco Drive, upgrade pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, replace bridges and more.
The department also responded to multiple severe weather events during Burlarley-Hyland's time as director, including the February 2021 storm that left much of the state without power for days and recent storms that caused flooding on city streets or damage to traffic signal systems.
“For now, I plan to focus on the well-being of my family and as the world gets smaller, I'm sure our paths will cross again. Thank you all for your support,” Burlarley said -Hyland in his personal letter.
Ford said the city hopes to begin search efforts for a new director in the coming months. Meanwhile, Leist will lead the public works department.
Charles Leist, Waco's deputy director of utilities and interim director of public works, presents plans for a wastewater plant to Chalk Bluff residents in February.
Matt Kyle, Tribune-Herald file photo
“Mr. Leist is a professional engineer with experience in both the public and private sectors,” Ford said. “He has demonstrated success in managing complex projects, including building and leading teams to complete capital improvement projects and plans.”
Leist has served as assistant director of utilities since 2021 and has worked as the city's leader on the Riverfront Development Project.
Many road projects in Waco have stretched far beyond their expected completion dates, according to a presentation by Public Works Director Amy Burlarley-Hyland and Utility Services Director Lisa Tyer during a Waco City Council meeting on July 5, 2022.
