New Public Works Director Chosen Ahead Of Jennifer Hughes' Retirement

OSWEGO, IL — An engineer with 17 years of experience in the public sector was selected as Oswego's incoming public works director ahead of the current department head's retirement.

Village officials announced Thursday they hired Curtis Cassidy, who will begin working Sept. 16 alongside current Public Works Director Jennifer Hughes before she retires in April 2025.

Cassidy will also oversee the village's Public Works team that provides services including road repairs, brush and leaf collections, snow and ice removal, and water line maintenance.

During the transition period, officials said Hughes will teach Cassidy about complex infrastructure projects, including the multi-year Wolf's Crossing improvements and the connection to Lake Michigan water. The overlap period will be funded by savings from the department's project engineer vacancy, officials said.

"We are fortunate to welcome Curt to this important role," Village President Ryan Kauffman said in a statement. "Curt’s public and private sector experience and sound leadership will guide our Public Works team to ensure our vital infrastructure projects are carried out."

An Illinois native, Cassidy joins the Village of Oswego staff having most recently worked as the public works director for the City of Mesquite, Texas, a community of about 150,000 residents. There, he was responsible for the oversight of the water and wastewater infrastructure, engineering, the Geographic Information System, street maintenance, and fleet and solid waste collection.

Previously, Cassidy has worked as the assistant city engineer for the City of Waco, Texas, and as a product manager for the City of Wichita Falls, Texas. His private sector experience includes working for Bainbridge, Gee, Milanski & Associates in Decatur, where he managed Environmental Protection Agency-revolving loan projects and designed private development and municipal utility projects such as lift stations, water treatment plants and water towers.

He earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Southern Illinois University and is working toward a master's in public administration from Texas Tech University.

"I am both honored and privileged to join the Village of Oswego as the incoming public works director," Cassidy said in a statement. "I am committed to enhancing the community's infrastructure, ensuring the safety and sustainability of roads and fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. I look forward to joining the team and serving the residents of Oswego."