WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Gary Janzen has been named the new director of Public Works and Utilities for the City of Wichita.

The City of Wichita says that after a nation-wide search, Janzen was chosen for the position after former director Alan King retired. He has 28 year of experience in Wichita and is a licensed professional engineer in Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University.

The Director of Public Works and Utilities helps maintain Wichita's infrastructure such as roads, water utilities, sustainability efforts and more. He will be responsible for 775 employees and an annual operating budget of $263 million with close to $1.3 billion in Capital Improvement Program projects from now through 2032.

“From water infrastructure, to road maintenance, to snow and ice removal, Public Works touches every facet of our community. Mr. Janzen has helped our Public Works Department make enormous progress on the City’s infrastructure during his tenure. We look forward to Gary’s continuing service to the community,” said City Manager Robert Layton.