Lewis County has selected Josh Metcalf to be its new Public Works Director.
Lewis County has selected Josh Metcalf to be its new Public Works Director, citing his extensive background in both municipal and private-sector engineering.
Metcalf joins the county from HDR Engineering, Inc’s Olympia office, where has spent the last 10 years and now serves as managing principal. Prior to that, he spent eight years with the Washington State Department of Transportation. His background includes everything from design to project management to political outreach.
“Josh just had a lot more leadership experience at that top level,” said County Manager Erik Martin, who served as Public Works Director before moving to his new role in August. “He had a true vision for Public Works and a mindset for administration, leadership, budget concerns. He was a real top-level candidate, very calm, easy-going demeanor and a lot of knowledge about Public Works projects.”
Metcalf will start work on Oct. 15.
In an interview, Metcalf said he thinks the new role will suit him well.
“I’ve been in the area for 20 years, and I like to work where I live and play,” he said. “The Public Works Director position has always been something I’ve been interested in as part of my career goals. Lewis County seems like a good fit for me. … It’s working toward growing as a community, and that’s something I’m interested in being a part of.”
In his time with the state, Metcalf’s work included design and construction, as well as project management and development. He cited the Tacoma Narrows Bridge as a project in which he had been involved.
Although he’s been in the private sector for the past decade, he said much of HDR’s work is with local and state government, meaning the move back to the public sector will be an easy transition.
“Most of our work, and most of the work I do on a day-to-day basis, is for a municipal client,” he said. “I can be involved from the up-front political information stage to doing community open houses to public outreach activities. … I kind of touch all realms of Public Works in my day-to-day activities. I’ve pretty much interfaced with all levels in the agency.”
Metcalf, who has a master’s degree in engineering management from Saint Martin’s University, was one of three finalists interviewed for the position. He was offered and accepted the job last Friday.
