County Supervisors Honor Public Works Director Ann Stillman Upon Retirement

Redwood City - San Mateo County Supervisors on Tuesday honored Public Works Director Ann M. Stillman upon her retirement after 38 years of service, recognizing a career that spanned from entry-level engineer to leader of the Peninsula's largest public works agency.

Moments after the Board approved a resolution honoring her 5-0, dozens of Public Works employees gathered at the front of the Board Chambers to pose for photos and congratulate her.

Stillman, a registered civil engineer, said she was drawn to the work for its complexity and its connection to the community.

"I love connecting dots. I love strategizing. I love solving problems," she said. "The work is always interesting, exciting."

Colleagues say her commitment was evident in small, everyday ways. She is known for bringing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich - made on homemade bread - so she could hold it in one hand while reading and returning emails with the other during lunch. Stillman said stepping away was rarely predictable.

"I can never count on getting away from my desk at lunch," she said. "Because on the days I don't bring a lunch something comes up."

That something could involve anything from pothole repairto operating the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay airports, major infrastructure projects like the roadway over the Crystal Springs Damor mudslide repairs.

Stillman began her career in 1987 when she joined the County as an extra-help senior engineering aide after graduating from Humboldt State University. She rose through the ranks over nearly four decades, becoming one of the first female engineers in the department and later its director.

"Thirty-eight years - really remarkable," Supervisor Jackie Speier said. "From an extra help senior engineer aide right out of college to running the department is an incredible trajectory."

Board President Noelia Corzo, speaking on the same day the Board recognized Women's History Month, said "It's given me a lot of pride to see you lead a department" with "employees who do work that at times goes unseen and unrecognized…. Thank you for leading your department with so much knowledge and passion and mutual respect and doing that every single day."

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Stillman was appointed interim director in 2021 and confirmed as director in 2022, overseeing a department with more than 300 employees and a $219 million annual budget. The department maintains 316 miles of County roads, manages County facilities and provides wastewater, streetlight and water services in unincorporated areas, among other duties.

Supervisors pointed to the scope of that work, from keeping roads safe - including clearing downed trees during severe weather - to making neighborhood streets safer.

Recalling a safety project near a North County school, Supervisor David Canepa said, "To have those dollars and to have your team execute on it, I think to me is really a reflection of your work and your professionalism. I want to thank you personally, and on behalf of the good folks in Broadmoor, thank you very much."

Board members also recognized Stillman's leadership style and her role in mentoring others.

"During Women's History Month, this is especially meaningful to recognize you broke barriers," Supervisor Lisa Gauthier said. "You built lasting projects, led with collaboration and care and made an impact not only across roads and families but also in the many people you mentored."

Supervisor Ray Mueller pointed to the breadth of her work across the county.

"From the Pacific Coast to the Bay, and every pothole in between, you navigated the landscape beautifully and with incredible skill," Mueller said. "You led through every season."

County Executive Mike Callagy praised her leadership and dedication.

"I think you are the best public works director I have ever had the pleasure of being associated with," Callagy said. "Your dedication is unprecedented."

Stillman's final day with the County will be Monday, March 30.

The Board also confirmed Tory Newman as the next director of Public Works following a nationwide recruitment. Newman brings nearly 25 years of experience in the industry and over 7 years with the County and most recently served as deputy director overseeing facilities.

In a related action, the Board designated Krzysztof Lisaj as County Engineer and Roads Commissioner.

Next on the Open Mike Podcast:

Stay tuned for an upcoming episode of the Open Mike Podcast, where Ann Stillman joins County Executive Mike Callagy to discuss on her 38-year career in public service and the impact of her work across San Mateo County.

Effie Milionis Verducci
Director, Strategic Communications & Community Partnerships
San Mateo County Executive's Office
650-407-4915
[email protected]