Sonoma’s public works director to retire at year’s end

Sonoma’s Public Works Director and City Engineer Colleen Ferguson will retire at the end of the year, concluding a 32-year career working for Santa Rosa and Sonoma.

Known to city staff as “Fergy,” has worked for the city since July 2017.

During her tenure, the City completed construction of West Napa Street Water System Replacement Project, Depot Park First West Improvements, and several pavement maintenance, pedestrian and bicycle safety projects; developed the City’s Five-year Capital Improvement Program budget; and completed the 2018 Water Master Plan Updated and associated Water Rates.

Ferguson and her dedicated team are currently the Fryer Creek Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Project which will be completed by the end of summer 2022, the Montini Connector trail, which is proposed for completion in spring 2022, several paving projects for construction in summer 2022, and water supply improvement projects for drought-related grant funding.

“City infrastructure and services provide the foundation for everyone in the community to live, work and play.  It has been a privilege to serve the Sonoma community for the past 4 ½ years,” said Ms. Ferguson. When asked what precluded her decision to retire, Ms. Ferguson shared that, “Thirty years ago I set a goal to be in a position to retire when I turned 60 years old. I turned 60 at the end of September and decided that it’s time to move on to the next phase of my life.”

Ferguson has over 30 years of service in Public Works and 38 years as a Civil Engineer.  She worked for the City of Santa Rosa Department of Public Works for 28 years serving in various positions including Deputy Director.  Ms. Ferguson holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from San Jose State University.

In her retirement announcement, Ferguson expressed admiration for the City’s Public Works staff who have persevered through fires, windstorms, floods, power outages, and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic during the past few years. Ms. Ferguson expressed confidence in the resilience of City staff to serve the community in the years ahead.

“Fergy has come to a decision most of us make at some point, retirement. I have only known her for a few months, but her dedication to her department and the City is commendable,” said City Manager Garrett Toy. “We anticipate retaining a firm to conduct the recruitment for a new Director and we are in the process of developing a plan for a smooth transition. We thank her for her service and wish her a happy retirement.”