In a move to bolster the management of city services, Mayor Cara Spencer has tapped Jim Suelmann for the role of interim director of streets. According to the City of St. Louis, Suelmann—a seasoned public servant with a long history in the department—returns to lead operations responsible for tasks ranging from pothole repair to snow removal.
Holding a degree in electrical engineering from Saint Louis University, Suelmann also brings military honors, having served in the Vietnam War and later in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Before retiring in 2006, he served as director of streets under four mayors, beginning in 1985. "Jim Suelmann was trusted by St. Louis mayors for 21 years to provide vital city services to our residents. With his exceptional experience and leadership returning to the Street Department, we can begin to improve how we deliver these city services right away," Mayor Spencer said in a statement from the City of St. Louis press release. Starting Monday, Suelmann is set to replace Betherny Williams—appointed by the previous administration—who offered her resignation, effective yesterday.
During his initial run with the Street Department, Suelmann oversaw the expansion of its paving program, a change in snow removal policy, and improvements to refuse processing. His past tenure was marked by a commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of an array of city services.
Mayor Spencer expressed gratitude to Suelmann, according to the City of St. Louis, "for stepping up for the City in this way, giving us time to conduct a thorough search for a permanent director of streets." While the city seeks a permanent replacement, Suelmann will begin navigating the challenges of modern urban infrastructure management in his familiar interim capacity.
