City of Topeka hires Public Works Director

The City of Topeka announced Wednesday that Steve Groen will serve as the city's next Public Works Director.

Groen holds a BA in Business Administration-Financial Management from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN. He has 40 years' experience in the industry, having started as a seasonal concrete worker in college before working a variety of utility and street construction positions. Groen was promoted to Hennepin County Construction Division Manager in 2021. He currently serves as the Highway Superintendent for Minnehaha County Highway Department in Sioux Falls, SD.

"I am thrilled to have Steve join us," said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. "He will bring a multitude of experience to the City of Topeka and will be a great asset to our team."

Assistant City Manager Braxton Copley, who oversees infrastructure and development departments and is currently serving as interim public works director, said "I am pleased to add Steve to my management team. He has many years of public works experience over a broad range of service areas."

"I look forward to serving as the City of Topeka's next public works director," Groen said. "The recruitment of engineering staff will be a priority, as well as continuing work on improvements to the city's streets, traffic control devices, and facilities."

Groen's first day will be December 9th.