Denver Schmitt was to be sworn in as Moline’s new public works director Wednesday, Jan. 10, during a rescheduled storm-delayed Moline City Council meeting.
Mr. Schmitt has an extensive background in public works, human resources and other public service positions. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, a news release from the city said.
With his addition, the city said, “all Moline departments now have permanent directors, marking a significant milestone in fortifying the city’s commitment to efficient and high-quality public services.”
Moline City Administrator Bob Vitas said in the release, “It gives me great pleasure to announce that Denver Schmitt has joined the City of Moline to lead the Public Works Department.
“His vast experience in public works, labor management relations, collective bargaining and human resources will nicely complement the existing public works leadership and operations staff in taking the department to the next level. I look forward to his leadership of the department and future great results that will benefit the city,” he added.
Mr. Schmitt replaces former Moline Public Works Director Michael Doi. Mr. Doi’s tenure with Moline ended last summer, according to Moline Communications Manager Tory Brecht. He was subsequently appointed public works director in Galesburg, Illinois, in September 2023.
Leader former Rock Islander
Most recently, Mr. Schmitt worked as a human resources generalist for the City of Bettendorf. Prior to that, he was public works manager for the McHenry County city of Crystal Lake, Illinois, in the Chicagoland area. Mr. Schmitt holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University.
The city’s new public works director, who is originally from Rock Island and moved back to the Quad Cities in 2022, said he is looking forward to getting started.
“I am excited and honored to be the next public works director for the City of Moline,” he said in the city’s release. “I am passionate about providing public service and have been fortunate to work in the public sector throughout my 16-plus year career,” he said.
“I am grateful city leaders have confidence in me to incorporate my experiences with staff to ensure our community has efficient and quality public works services,” he added.
“I greatly look forward to leading our talented and dedicated public works team to execute the city’s mission, vision and core values.”
