The city of Greeley has begun its search for a new public works director following the departure of Paul Trombino on December 1, 2023. Trombino, who served in this capacity for four years, left to pursue other opportunities after making significant contributions to various city projects.
Trombino joined Greeley in 2021, bringing experience from his previous role as the director and Homeland Security advisor for the state of Iowa. During his tenure, he led several major initiatives, including the Greeley-Weld County Airport improvement project and the Mobility Expansion for Regional Growth and Equity (MERGE) program. His leadership also extended to the Catalyst project, which is poised for a citywide vote concerning a zoning ordinance passed by the city council earlier this year.
Acting City Manager Brian McBroom praised Trombino’s impact on Greeley, stating, “Paul Trombino has been a tremendous asset to the city. We are grateful for his technical expertise and leadership of daily operations and the many infrastructure projects he championed.” His efforts have been credited with positioning the city for future growth.
In addition to these projects, Trombino initiated plans for significant stormwater improvements. This $500 million investment aims to address aging infrastructure and enhance the city’s capacity to manage severe weather events. His recruitment of Alquist 3D, a company specializing in 3D printing for construction, also marked a pivotal moment for local partnerships, particularly with the Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity on the Hope Springs project.
At the time of his departure, Trombino’s salary was $228,800, according to Kim Kappel, Greeley Public Information Officer. The city did not disclose the reasons for his exit, citing it as a personnel matter.
The job posting for the new public works director outlines a range of responsibilities, including managing ongoing city projects, securing funding, and ensuring effective communication across various departments. The anticipated salary range for the position is between $161,900 and $198,350, with a maximum potential salary of $234,800, dependent on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. For context, the median income for Greeley residents is approximately $76,462, based on 2024 census data.
Greeley aims to fill this position expeditiously to maintain momentum on ongoing projects, and there are currently no plans to appoint an interim director. Will Jones, the city’s deputy public works director, is set to transition to Loveland’s public works director on January 12, 2024.
The city is also navigating the search for a new city manager following Raymond Lee’s resignation. Lee was recently appointed as the city administrator for Portland, Oregon, marking another leadership change within the organization.
As Greeley embarks on this new chapter, the emphasis will be on finding a candidate who can build on the strong foundation laid by Trombino and continue to advance the city’s infrastructure and community development goals.
