The Linn County Board of Supervisors has named Brad Ketels to be the next Linn County Engineer. The eight-member County Engineer interview committee unanimously recommended Ketels for the role. Ketels has served as Interim Engineer since April 2018. Ketels will assume his promotion immediately.
As County Engineer, Ketels will be responsible for directing the work of the Linn County Secondary Road Department by overseeing the construction and maintenance operations, supervising department staff, preparing the department’s annual budget and five year construction program, overseeing long-range planning, working with residents, and working to ensure the growth and welfare of Linn County’s overall secondary road system in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Supervisors.
John Harris, Linn County Supervisor and member of the interview committee said, “Directing Linn County’s Secondary Road Department to ensure high safety standards and working with our residents is an essential role. As Assistant County Engineer, and during his six months as Interim County Engineer, Brad has demonstrated his commitment to Linn County's Customer-Centered Culture principles and the County's mission. I have confidence in Brad’s leadership and believe he is the right person to lead this department forward.”
“Brad brings 20 years of county engineering experience to this critical job of running Linn County’s secondary road system,” Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson said. “During the last six months as Interim Engineer, Brad has really stepped up to rally the troops within his department to make some monumental changes that will benefit road and bridge users and those dedicated employees who work on them. We are fortunate to have someone of Brad’s caliber and expertise in the job of Linn County Engineer.” Oleson was also a member of the eight-person interview committee.
Ketels joined the Linn County staff as an Engineer Intern in 1998 and became Assistant County Engineer in 2001. During his 20-year career with the Linn County Secondary Road Department, Ketels has assisted with the administrative responsibilities of the department along with operational activities, including overseeing road maintenance by selecting projects for maintenance crews, managing construction projects, designing and inspecting bridges, and providing customers with answers and solutions.
Ketels holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa. Additionally, Ketels has a Professional Engineering (PE) license, a Land Surveyor Intern (LSI) license and is qualified as a bridge inspection Program Manager.
“I am excited to continue my career with the Linn County Secondary Road Department as the County Engineer. I look forward to maintaining the legacy of fiscal responsibility and superior quality roads and bridges, while enhancing working relationships in everything we do,” Ketels said.