Medford's Public Works Director John Vial Retires After 30 Years of Service in Oregon

After dedicating over three decades to public service in Oregon, Public Works Director John Vial is stepping down from his role at the City of Medford. Vial, who joined the city in 2021, has been a fixture in Oregon's civic landscape, with 13 years at Jackson County and more than 13 years with the Oregon Department of Transportation prior to his tenure in Medford.

Recognized for leading the Emergency Operations Center during the Almeda Fire, Vial has been a steadfast advocate for his department, consistently pushing for its success. As noted in a recognition by the City of Medford, he is commended for his deep connections with employees, community members, and various levels of leadership. His retirement was officially announced at the June 18 City Council meeting.

At his farewell, Human Resources Director Bonnie Barasch paid tribute to Vial's impact. "He has a remarkable ability to connect—with employees, community members, and leaders at every level. His leadership style fosters trust, and his presence in the room always brought a calm, thoughtful approach to even the most complex challenges," Barasch told the assembly, as reported by the city's official website.

Not one to recede from community engagement, Vial expressed plans to stay active through volunteer work, family engagements, and birding—a leisure activity close to his heart. His successor, Dan Worth, who arrives from Scottsdale, Arizona, will take the helm as Public Works Director starting today.