The city of Manhattan is bringing in an outside hire to serve as its next public utilities director.
Interim city manager Jason Hilgers on Wednesday that Kevin Niles will take over the role on Sept. 3. Niles currently is the utilities director in Odessa, Texas.
Niles will oversee Manhattan’s recently reconstructed public utilities department, which provides essential services for Manhattan and surrounding infrastructure.
“We welcome Kevin to the team and look forward to his leadership and oversight in delivering essential water and wastewater services to the community,” Hilgers said in a written statement. “Kevin will join several experienced and highly valued personnel in our new Public Utilities Department.”
Niles has more than 10 years of experience in utility management. In Odessa, he is responsible for leading a department that operates five divisions, including a laboratory, water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution, collections and administration. He manages a $35 million budget and leads a team comprising 70 full-time staff.
His prior experience includes three years as the district manager for Stratmoor Hills Water and Sanitation District; six years as general water resources manager for Pueblo County, Colorado, for the Arkansas Groundwater Users’ Association; and one year as Parks and Open Space Director for the Cherokee Metropolitan District in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Niles holds a bachelor’s degree in political and economic studies from the University of Colorado, graduating in 2004, and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Colorado. He has completed the Franklin Covey 4DX Management Training.
“I am honored and privileged to introduce myself as the new utilities director for Manhattan,” Niles said. “With a deep commitment to service excellence and sustainability, I am eager to collaborate with our dedicated team and engage with our community to ensure reliable and innovative utility services. Together, we will uphold our commitment to efficiency, environmental stewardship and customer satisfaction.
“I look forward to working closely with each of them as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, striving to enhance the quality of life for all Manhattan residents. Thank you for the warm welcome, and I am excited to contribute to the continued success of our vibrant city.”
Under the direction of the deputy city manager, the director of public utilities is responsible for leading, planning and managing all activities and operations of the department and its six divisions. The director also oversees a team of 61 full-time employees. Public utilities manages 30 million gallons of water per day, 11 million gallons of waste per day, 5,400 manholes, 280 miles of water mains, 260 miles of sanitary sewer lines, 26 lift stations, 20 underground wells, six water towers and six booster stations.
Niles is married to his wife, Jami, and together they have six children and five grandchildren.
