FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield Public Works has named Eric Claussen as assistant director over operations effective Oct. 2. Claussen will replace outgoing Assistant Director Kirk Juranas who plans to retire in January 2024.
Claussen previously worked for MoDOT before joining the City of Springfield for 14 years, serving in a variety of roles including city Traffic Engineer for Operations and Superintendent of Street Operations and Public Grounds. He continued his career on the east coast as Public Services Director for the Town of Nags Head, North Carolina and Director of Engineering for Beaufort County, South Carolina.
As assistant director over operations, Claussen will oversee the Street Operations and Public Grounds, Transportation Management, and General Services divisions.
“Eric is a strong leader and brings a collaborative, goal-driven mindset that will benefit both citizens and City employees,” says Public Works Director Dan Smith. “He has extensive experience with overseeing multimillion-dollar annual budgets and public infrastructure projects for streets, sidewalks and multi-use paths, stormwater infrastructure, public landscaping and mowing, and snow removal. We are excited to have him rejoin us here in Springfield.”
Claussen is originally from Omaha, Nebraska and is a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Missouri and South Carolina as well as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer. He received his Management Certificate from the Management Development Institute through Missouri State University and a is a participant in Leadership Springfield Class 39.
“I look to build upon the past successes of the Springfield Public Works Operations Team with a focus on building strong community relationships and trust with our citizens who are impacted every day by the work of the department,” says Claussen.
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Media contact: Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].