Awwad, whose appointment begins immediately, brings more than 22 years of public works and engineering leadership experience to the role. He currently serves as public works director for the city of Rancho Palos Verdes, where he oversees public works services including engineering, utilities, streets, buildings, facilities, fleet, solid waste, and environmental programs.Prior to serving in Rancho Palos Verdes, Awwad spent more than a decade with Arlington County, Virginia, where he served as transportation engineer, engineering design team supervisor and engineering bureau chief. As bureau chief, he directed a portfolio of more than 100 infrastructure projects valued at over $100 million, including work associated with the Amazon HQ2 development. He also designed transportation engineering projects for a consulting firm and led the highway department for Carroll County, Indiana, early in his career.“Ramzi brings a combination of technical depth and community-focused leadership that we were looking for in our next public works director,” said Manhattan Beach City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian in a statement. “His experience managing complex capital projects, delivering excellent services, and his track record of leading strong teams, make him well-suited to lead our Public Works Department as Manhattan Beach continues to invest in its infrastructure.”“I am excited to join the Manhattan Beach team and continue building on the city’s strong tradition of public works service,” said Awwad in a statement. “I look forward to working with staff, the City Council, and the community to deliver projects that serve residents and businesses well into the future.”
As public works director, Awwad will oversee the department’s full range of services, including engineering, streets, utilities, facilities, fleet, and will oversee the development and management of the city’s Capital Improvement Program.