Loading...
Item 4G - MemoITEM 4G M E M O R A N D U M May 8, 2026 TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Alison D. Ortowski, City Manager SUBJECT: City Council Confirmation of the City Manager’s Appointment of Pritam Deshmukh as Director of Public Works. Action Requested: City Council confirmation of the City Manager’s appointment of Pritam Deshmukh as Director of Public Works for the City of Southlake Background Information: Chapter 4 of the Southlake Charter requires that “The head of each department shall be a chief, director, or superintendent who shall be appointed by the City Manager subject to the approval of the Council and such chief, director or superintendent shall have supervisory authority and financial control over his/her department.” To ensure a thorough and competitive selection process, the City partnered with CPS HR Consulting to conduct a nationwide search for the next Director of Public Works. CPS HR conducted initial screening interviews with 16 candidates. From that pool, four semi- finalists were selected for virtual interviews with the Assistant City Manager, Assistant City Manager/Senior Director of HR, and the Chief Financial Officer. Two finalists advanced to a full in-person process that included a presentation exercise, two panel interviews with department directors and Assistant City Managers, and a final interview with the City Manager. After careful evaluation, Pritam Deshmukh emerged as the most qualified candidate for this role. Mr. Deshmukh stood out for the breadth and scale of his experience across the full Public Works portfolio, combined with his PE licensure and his established track record leading programs in the DFW area. Following positive reference checks, a conditional offer of employment was extended and accepted by Mr. Deshmukh. With more than 25 years of experience leading complex municipal infrastructure organizations, including transportation systems, City Council Meeting Date: May 19, 2026 ITEM 4G Page 2 utilities, engineering services, and capital improvement programs, Mr. Deshmukh brings the depth of experience and leadership this role demands. He is a registered Professional Engineer in both Texas and California with a demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into operational results while maintaining fiscal discipline and high levels of public trust. I am confident in his ability to lead the Public Works Department and continue building on its strong foundation. Here are highlights of his qualifications: • Experience: Mr. Deshmukh currently serves as Assistant Director of Transportation & Mobility for the City of Richardson, where he provides executive leadership for transportation engineering and traffic operations programs, leads 23 employees with six direct reports, and supports management of a $7 million annual operating budget. He has led the delivery of $30 million in transportation capital improvement projects and implemented performance accountability measures that improved responsiveness to residents and elected officials. Previously, as Deputy Director of Water and Wastewater Utilities for the City of Denton, Mr. Deshmukh oversaw 90 employees across multiple operational divisions and assisted with management of a $90 million operating budget. He led workforce development initiatives, developed an operational continuity plan, and secured approval for utility master plans and enhanced safety programs. Earlier, as Deputy Director/Deputy City Engineer for the City of Denton, Mr. Deshmukh led delivery of a $400+ million capital improvement program, accelerating $210 million in projects into construction within two years. He played a leadership role in developing a $150 million voter-approved bond program that earned support from 75% of voters. • Education & Professional Credentials: Mr. Deshmukh holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Pune. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and California, and holds a California Traffic Engineer registration. These credentials reflect both his technical depth and sustained commitment to professional excellence. City Council Meeting Date: May 19, 2026 ITEM 4G Page 3 As Director of Public Works, Mr. Deshmukh will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for the full Public Works portfolio, including engineering, water and wastewater utilities, streets and drainage, traffic systems, facilities, environmental services, and the City’s capital improvement program. He will serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the City Manager and engaging regularly with City Council, boards, commissions, and regional partners. The department has approximately 67 full-time equivalent employees and an annual operating and capital budget exceeding $30 million, with more than 30 active capital and construction projects. Mr. Deshmukh’s appointment carries no negative budgetary implications and aligns with the City’s commitment to strategic leadership, operational excellence, and long-term infrastructure sustainability. With your confirmation, Mr. Deshmukh’s appointment will be effective June 1, 2026. Financial Considerations: An offer of employment has been extended to Mr. Deshmukh in alignment with the City’s established compensation system. There is no negative budget impact. Strategic Link: Infrastructure and Development: Delivering reliable, high-quality public works services and capital investment that supports community safety, mobility, and long-term sustainability. Performance Management and Service Delivery: Attracting, developing and retaining a talented and motivated workforce for lasting world-class performance. Staff Recommendation: City Council confirmation of the City Manager’s appointment of Pritam Deshmukh as Director of Public Works for the City of Southlake.