Oak Creek is setting the stage for a new chapter in their city utility management. Brian Johnston will step into the role of Director of Utilities. After more than three decades, Mike Sullivan is retiring, passing the baton to Johnston, who will officially assume the position on January 3, 2026. During the December 16 Oak Creek Common Council meeting, the body cast a unanimous vote sealing this decision, as reported by the City of Oak Creek own official announcement.
With a tenure at the City of Oak Creek starting since January 2002, Johnston first sliced his teeth in the City’s Engineering Department. Soon after, in 2019, he transitioned to the Water and Sewer Utility as a Utility Engineer. The Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz expressed his optimism, noting Johnston's expertise would be "invaluable with the Underground Facilities Rehabilitation project coming up." This sentiment was echoed by the City Administrator, Andrew J Vickers, who praised the long-standing commitment and service of Sullivan, affirming a smooth knowledge and responsibility transition had been in the works for some time.
"Mike is not only knowledgeable and passionate about the Utility, but he is a true example for public service," Vickers reportedly told the City of Oak Creek official news. According to the same source, Johnston expressed his excitement about his new position and the faith in his team, stating, "We have a great team who do fantastic work. I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m ready to take on this role. It’s an exciting time for the Utility."
In his upcoming role, Johnston is expected to be a department leader, as per Vickers, who described him as someone who has positioned himself in this way while becoming the person they want "managing these major Plant projects over the next several years." Brian Johnston's record of service and expertise within the City of Oak Creek's water and infrastructure spheres suggests he might indeed be the steady hand needed as he shepherds the Utility into future challenges and projects that lie on the horizon.
