HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260112_Public Works Department Restructuring and Leadership Appointments FINAL PR Jefferson County Courthouse
1820 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Courthouse Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm
Liz Anderson
Communications Specialist, Jefferson County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2026
Jefferson County Announces Public Works Restructuring and 2026 Leadership Changes
Jefferson County is restructuring the Public Works Department, which includes several leadership
appointments within the organization, supporting succession planning, adapting to evolving operational
demands, and ensuring that staffing assignments reflect both current needs and long-term strategic
objectives. The department plays a vital role in maintaining the safety, resilience, and long-term
sustainability of the region’s infrastructure.
On January 1, 2026, Eric Kuzma was promoted to Public Works Director. A licensed architect, Kuzma
joined the Public Works Department as an Engineer III in June 2013. In November 2015, he was
promoted to Engineering Services Manager and within a year was also assigned the Assistant Public
Works Director role. During his tenure, Kuzma demonstrated strong technical expertise, sound
operational judgment, and effective leadership across multiple service areas while overseeing complex
engineering projects and strengthening interdepartmental collaboration. Kuzma’s breadth of knowledge
across the department’s divisions uniquely positions him to assume responsibility for directing the full
scope of Public Works Director and has previously served as the Interim Public Works Director during the
Director’s absence.
Incoming Director Kuzma says, “I sincerely appreciate this opportunity that both Monte Reinders and the
County have provided to carry on the department’s mission to enhance the quality of life in Jefferson
County and, despite our current budgetary challenges, become a model public service provider in all that
we do.”
Former Public Works Director, Monte Reinders, P.E., vacated the position on December 31, 2025, and
assumed the duties of the Roads & Fleet Operations Manager while also continuing to serve as the
County Engineer, a position he has held since 2003. This leadership realignment reflects the County’s
deep commitment to proactive succession planning and is a cost-saving measure that will not only
support organizational continuity but will contribute to the department’s continued success. In his new
role, Reinders will assume many of the duties of recently retired Roads Superintendent Dale Brownfield,
overseeing and supporting the County Roads supervisory staff.
An additional change to the department is that Samantha Harper, P.E., Wastewater Project Manager, has
accepted the new position of Engineering Services Manager/Wastewater Program Manager. Harper is
currently the Wastewater Project Manager of the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (PHUGA)
Wastewater Treatment Plant and will additionally oversee the Public Works capital transportation
program, which was previously managed by Kuzma. Harper has valuable experience in wastewater
infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, and capital project delivery. Her proven ability in project
management, collaboration with stakeholders, and experience of guiding projects from planning through
construction will be instrumental in supporting the County’s growing capital improvement needs.
Outgoing Director Reinders says, “It has been my pleasure to serve as the Public Works Director for the
last 12 years. The team here has accomplished a lot during this time, which is a testament to the quality
of the people we have working here. The County is fortunate to have someone with Eric’s abilities step
up into this position, and I look forward to supporting him.”
In the Public Works Solid Waste Division, re-organization has also taken place due to the increasing scope
and complexity of the program. To meet these demands, current Solid Waste Manager, Al Cairns will
become the Solid Waste Program Manager focused on solid waste programs, regulatory compliance, and
long-range solid waste planning for our growing community. Current Solid Waste Operations
Coordinator Justin Miskell will step into a new Solid Waste Operations Manager position taking on
increased responsibility for operational oversight of the transfer station, Quilcene drop facility, staffing,
facility repair projects, vendor contracts, and all of the many complex systems that ensure solid waste is
properly handled and transported out of our county to the regional landfill.
Says County Commissioner Greg Brotherton, “The county’s Solid Waste Program is one of the most
essential functions provided by the County, relied on by every citizen and business here for the well-
being of our public health. It is a complex enterprise program, really a business, delivered through a
series of programs and facilities operated cooperatively by both the County and private sector
companies working together. Jefferson County Solid Waste punches above its weight with a small staff
only because of the leadership and abilities of Al Cairns and Justin Miskell. We are lucky to have them
here.”
These leadership changes focus on strengthening departmental performance, maximizing the effective
use of existing resources, and ensuring Jefferson County Public Works is well-positioned to continue to
operate resourcefully and effectively for our residents.
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Jefferson County