Lusby named as new public works director

CHAMPAIGN — The city of Champaign has chosen a new public works director after a nationwide search.

Terry Lusby Jr., who currently serves as the interim public works director in the northwestern Chicago suburb of Schiller Park, will step into the role on Aug. 12, city officials said.

“I am thrilled and privileged to be selected as Champaign’s next public works director," Lusby said. "It is an honor to serve and work with highly skilled professionals, thoughtful residents and passionate community partners to maintain the longstanding tradition of exceptional municipal services and continuously improving the quality of life for this great city.”

According to city officials, Lusby's career includes more than 16 years in public works and construction management positions, both public and private.

This includes serving as public works director in the southwestern Chicago suburb of Olympia Fields, facilities and fleet superintendent in nearby Tinley Park, assistant director of operations and maintenance for Homewood-Flossmoor High School and project manager at Carlo Steel Corp. in Chicago.

Lusby holds two master's degrees from Northern Illinois University — one in public administration with a fiscal administration specialization and one school business management — and a bachelor's in construction management from Western Illinois University.

The city of Champaign conducted a nationwide search following the resignation of former public works director Khalil Zaied in March. Zaied said in February that he was moving out of state to attend to family matters.

City Manager Dorothy Ann David, who appointed Lusby, said he was "the best choice" to lead the department due to his wealth of experience.

"He has developed his leadership skills by steadily advancing through several management roles with increasing levels of responsibility and a passion for public service," she said. "Terry has already demonstrated his commitment to becoming an active member of the Champaign community and engaging with our residents. I’m pleased to add Terry to the city’s executive team, and I know he’ll be a great asset to our community and the city organization.”