The city of Long Beach has infused fresh leadership into two of its core departments as City Manager Tom Modica announced the appointments of Joshua Hickman as the Director of Public Works and Stephen Scott as the Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM). Selected after an extensive nationwide search, these two individuals were recognized for their substantial city experience and deep understanding of local community dynamics, project management, and team leadership.
"We are fortunate to have Joshua and Stephen, two seasoned Long Beach leaders, stepping into these director roles," Modica was quoted in a Long Beach city press release. Adding that their "institutional knowledge and longstanding commitment to public service" will anchor and steer the high-impact and public-facing city departments. Both Hickman and Scott have racked up significant experience within the city's administration, with Hickman's tenure beginning in 2017 and Scott's stretching back to 1999.
As the new head of Public Works, Hickman manages an ambitious annual budget around $450 million and leads a team of over 500 staff members tasked with the maintenance and improvement of various city infrastructures. His role is pivotal in the ongoing Elevate '28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, an extensive scheme aimed at gearing up the city for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The plan includes over 180 projects, with a budget exceeding $1 billion aimed at sprucing up the city's parks, mobility, and cultural assets. Previously, Hickman's portfolio included roles such as Capital Projects Coordinator and Business Operations Bureau Manager, where he led key transitions and managed crucial city services upgrades.
In contrast to Public Works, the PRM's responsibilities cover a broader recreational spectrum, with Scott at its helm. The department boasts an approximate annual budget of $90 million and a diverse staff roster of over 1,300 people. His purview spans across 166 parks, community centers, golf courses, along with the municipal marina and beaches. Scott's prior experience across multiple city departments has primed him for the directorship. Scott's work has contributed to several initiatives including the LBACS' Compassion Saves service model and the Park Ambassador Program, which have played key roles in community engagement and resource allocation.
Both directors come with impressive academic and professional backgrounds, with Hickman holding a Master of Science in Green Building and Scott a Master of Arts in Public Affairs and Public Management. Their appointments come at a crucial moment as Long Beach prepares for significant events on the horizon, aiming to cement its standing as a premiere Southern Californian urban center, home to roughly 466,000 residents and a bevy of cultural landmarks. For further details on each department and the latest initiatives under the new directorship, Long Beach Parks can be accessed at LBParks.org and the Public Works department at longbeach.gov/pw.
