Miki Esposito, who left her job as director of the city’s Public Works and Utilities Department five months ago to work for the Nebraska Department of Roads, is returning to her job with the city.
Esposito said she figured out that she simply loves her work with city government and feels fortunate she can return to it.
“I thought going to the state was a natural transition for my career," she said Thursday. "It was a bigger platform. I thought I could do more.
“But I figured out that the city is my thing and I could have the greatest impact here. I love the local level and that became more and more clear over the last five months.
"For me this was a very personal decision and a gut check about where I could have the greatest impact; where I could be most effective; and where my passion for civil service lies," Esposito said.
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She'll return as director of the city’s largest department on May 16, in time for budget discussions and decisions. She leaves her job as deputy director of policy and administration with the state on Tuesday.
Thomas Shafer, design and construction manager for the city's Engineering Services Division, has been serving as interim director.
Esposito said she feels fortunate Shafer stepped in and did a good job in her absence.
"We both know that Public Works is about the strength of the entire team. The department is bigger than any one individual."
Esposito, the first non-engineer and first woman to permanently manage the almost 600-employee department, was appointed by Mayor Chris Beutler in 2011.
Public Works and Utilities handles city streets, StarTran, the city water system, wastewater and solid waste and watershed management.
Esposito, an attorney, joined the city attorney's office in 2006 and was compliance administrator for Public Works before being named director.