Springfield cements Public Works assistant director

Last edited 9:22 a.m., April 6, 2015

The city of Springfield has removed Martin Gugel’s interim title as assistant director of Public Works.

The move is effective April 5. In the role, he succeeds Jonathan Gano, who left Springfield to become director of Public Works for the city of Des Moines, Iowa, in January. Gano had been a candidate for the same job in Springfield, but the city hired Dan Smith from Greene County.

Gugel, who has served in the interim role in addition to his duties as traffic engineer for operations, will be tasked with overseeing traffic, transportation management, internal services, such as building maintenance, and street operations, according to a news release.

“Martin has done an exceptional job in a variety of roles within the department and I appreciate his work ethic and dedication to the community,” Smith said in the release. “We are fortunate to have had a very impressive roster of internal and external candidates, as our reputation as a department and the city of Springfield continues to improve.”

Gugel was one of two finalists selected out of 18 applicants after a two-week external search, he said. City staff and community officials conducted interviews to determine the selection.

A Springfield native, Gugel has been employed by the city for eight years, becoming known for working with downtown businesses and groups on streetscapes and parking operations, as well as coordinating with community organization on events, the release said.

On May 14, he’ll be honored as Employee of the Year for Springfield Business Journal’s Dynamic Dozen awards.