Meet Vicki Vickrey, Westwood's New Department of Public Works Director

Vicki Vickrey is the new director for the Department of Public Works in Westwood. She just recently moved here from Ventura, California.

"(Ventura) is an eclectic little beach community," said Vickrey, but this is in California terms. Her hometown has about 100,000 people, not small by eastern standards to say the least.

Vickrey worked for the Department of Public Works in Ventura, as well, where she her role encompassed five wastewater treatment plants, streets, facilities and storm water.

She also played a major role with environmental issues in Ventura.

"I was really involved in environmental programs. It was a real nice city to live in," she said.

Recently, Vickrey decided to relocate to the East.

"I was interested in relocating from east to west for personal reasons, and I had a background in public works and I love working for towns and cities," she said.

When she arrived in Westwood, Vickrey said she immediately noticed the strength of her new staff.

"I love the people I've met.  The staff here is extremely bright and extremely open to new things," she said.

Vickrey knows some adjustments will need to be made because of recent retirements.

"It's going to be a challenging time," she said. "There's been a lot of staff retirements, but it's exciting though because I love building a team. This is a time of change, a time of building a new team and I believe the town is ready for some changes if needed."

Vickrey said she plans to squeeze every drop of resourcefulness from her new team, and sees an unlimited potential in Westwood's growth.

"It's a beautiful town, very well run," she said. "There's so much good going on here.  The town has so much potential and so far I've really enjoyed it."

Vickrey has an optimistic view of the town's progress.

"There's never a time when things can't be improved," she said.  "There is an incredible amount of resources, and everyone is very qualified."

In the coming months Vickrey says she wants to focus on organization and planning.

"We'll need to do the best we can to be as efficient and effective as possible by using technology," she said.

Vickrey stresses the importance of and prioritizing work and meeting their goals with a solid foundation of good hardworking people. She said the department has hired a new engineer, Jeff Bina. They are also in the process of recruiting a new highway superintendent, because at the moment they are working without one.  

As the new director of the Department of Public Works, Vickrey said she's ready to get to work on town issues, and excited to be a part of a solid team.