Napa Utilities Director Phil Brun Retires After 28-Year Career With City

Press release from the City of Napa:

NAPA, CA — After more than 28 years of dedicated public service to the Napa community, the City of Napa announces the retirement of Utilities Director Phil Brun. A leader whose career has been defined by innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to the public good, Phil leaves a legacy that will benefit the City for decades to come.

"Phil embodies the best of public service. His legacy of innovation, resilience, and leadership is deeply woven into the fabric of Napa," says City Manager Steve Potter. "From his strategic vision to his commitment to supporting his team, Phil has set a standard that will continue to inspire us all. I have enjoyed working with Phil very much over the years and he will be missed by myself and his colleagues."

A California Polytechnic Institute graduate with a civil engineering degree, Phil joined the City of Napa in 1996 as a Civil Engineer III. His contributions quickly earned him recognition, and by 2002, he was promoted to Water General Manager in the Public Works Department. In this role, Phil took strategic actions that continue to support the reliability of the City’s water supply, including the purchase of 2,100 acre-feet of State Water Project Entitlements and negotiating pivotal agreements with neighboring cities.

In 2009, Phil was named Deputy Public Works Director of Operations, where his vision and leadership had a citywide impact. Among his many accomplishments, he led the transformative 10-mile paving and sidewalks program, replaced every city streetlight with energy-efficient LED bulbs, and implemented the award-winning Covered Aerated Static Pile (CASP) composting system at the Materials Diversion Facility.

In 2018, Phil became the first Director of the newly established Utilities Department, overseeing the City’s two major enterprise funds: Solid Waste & Recycling and Water. Under his stewardship, Napa secured a multi-million-dollar, 14-year recycling and waste services contract extension, ensuring sustainable practices for years to come.

Phil’s expertise extended beyond day-to-day operations into emergency response. From the 2005-06 flood and the 2014 South Napa Earthquake to the 2017 Atlas/Partrick Fires and the 2020 Glass Fire, Phil demonstrated unmatched strategic acumen. Notably, after the 2014 earthquake, he orchestrated a rapid response that repaired 110 water leaks in just six days—a feat described as “the dance” for its precise coordination of resources.

Phil’s leadership transcended his professional duties. He served as Board President of Leadership Napa Valley and as Chair of the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association, becoming the youngest individual to hold the position. Within the City, Phil was also the heart of the social committee, organizing memorable staff events and delighting colleagues with his famous tri-tip and Christmas cookie trays.

Throughout his career, Phil’s motto, “make it happen,” has been both a guiding principle and a source of inspiration to those around him. His unique ability to blend technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and collaborative leadership has earned him admiration and respect from colleagues, partners, and the community.

"Phil has been an invaluable asset to our City,” remarked Mayor Scott Sedgley. “His creativity, determination, and ability to bring people together to solve complex challenges have left an indelible mark on Napa. On behalf of the entire community, I thank Phil for his extraordinary service and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement."

Looking to the future, Joy Eldredge, the City’s Deputy Utilities Director and a long-time employee of the City of Napa, stepped into the role of Utilities Director on Jan. 1, 2025. Joy’s extensive experience, dedication, and deep understanding of the City’s utilities operations position her well to build upon Phil’s work. Phil’s last day with the City was Dec. 31, 2024.

"As Phil transitions into retirement, the City of Napa expresses its deepest gratitude for his exceptional service. His leadership, ingenuity, and unwavering commitment to public service have left an indelible mark on Napa.

"We wish Phil and his family all the best as he begins this well-earned new chapter. His positive impact and legacy will continue to shape the City for years to come."

This press release was produced by the City of Napa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.