Homer City Manager Katie Koester will be CBJ’s new Public Works & Engineering Director

The City and Borough of Juneau is pleased to announce that Katie Koester will lead the Public Works & Engineering Department as its next Director. Previous director Mike Vigue retired this month, and Koester will move into the top position at a future date.

Koester has been the City Manager for the City of Homer since 2015. As the chief executive officer, she develops and executes the city’s budget, is responsible for capital improvement planning, and directs operation of all city departments, including public works.

“Public Works & Engineering is the backbone of municipal government. The department’s work provides safe travel, clean water, responsible stewardship of the environment, and builds and maintains Juneau’s critical infrastructure. I am honored to join them in this mission,” Koester said. “Juneau is a thriving and vibrant capital city and I am looking forward to working with the CBJ team, Assembly, and community to implement their vision for the future.”

City Manager Rorie Watt said he’s excited as Koester will bring strong executive experience to Public Works & Engineering: “CBJ is lucky to have Katie’s leadership skillset. She has experience working with and directing staff on complicated projects, as well as communicating with the public and elected officials of all levels. Public Works & Engineering has strong staff who understand their program areas, and Katie will be a great fit.”

Koester has also served as the City of Homer’s Community & Economic Development Coordinator. She has a Master of Political Science from the Pontific Catholic University of Chile and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Smith College. She’s working on a Master of Public Administration from the University of Alaska Southeast.

For more information, contact City Manager Rorie Watt at 586-5240 or [email protected].