The head of Galesburg’s department of Public Works is out after just 13 months in the job.
Michael Doi left his position as director of Public Works earlier this week, according to City Manager Eric Hanson.
“I can confirm (Doi) doesn’t work here,” Hanson said Thursday when contacted by WGIL. “Really, there’s nothing more I can say.”
Doi could not be reached for comment.
Hanson said City Engineer Aaron Gavin assumed the role of interim director of Public Works effective Thursday, adding, “We won’t miss a beat with Aaron’s leadership.”
Doi’s first day serving as the director of Public Works for the City of Galesburg was Sept. 18, 2023. He came to Galesburg after a short stint in Moline where he worked as its director of Public Works.
Before Doi’s arrival, Galesburg had been recruiting to fill the position of Public Works director since the retirement of Public Works Director Wayne Carl in March 2023. Mark Rothert served as the interim Public Works director from Feb. 27 – May 1, 2023.
Gavin served both the position of city engineer and interim Public Works director between Rothert and Doi.
Doi was an Illinois licensed professional engineer and has been in the field of public works for more than 30 years, according a 2023 city news release announcing the hire.
The City of Galesburg Public Works Department provides for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the city’s infrastructure, and encompasses the street division, water division, engineering, and the central garage.
The director of Public Works is responsible for the supervision of the 46 employees within the department, as well as managing the day to day operations of the department and long-term planning for the sustainability of the city’s infrastructure.
