Ben Johnson named director of public works/county engineer

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Olmsted County is pleased to share results of the search for a new Public Works department director/county engineer. Ben Johnson has accepted the position and has begun transitioning into his new role. Johnson is assuming the role previously held by Kaye Bieniek who recently was named division administrator of Olmsted County’s Physical Development division.

In his new role, Johnson’s scope of work will include:

• Providing professional engineering and oversight for the planning, design, and construction of Public Works projects.
• Leading the analysis of engineering studies prepared by professional consultants for the county’s transportation infrastructure.
• Developing long-term Public Works capital improvement plans and budgets, and more.

“Ben’s technical skills and knowledge make him a very talented engineer,” said Olmsted County Division Administrator for Physical Development Kaye Bieniek. “He is dedicated, conscientious, and hard-working. I am excited to see the leadership, teamwork, and collaborative spirit he will bring as the director of public works/county engineer.”

For the last nine years, Johnson has worked as Olmsted County’s assistant county engineer in Public Works. Prior to his time at the county, Johnson worked at Yaggy Colby Associates as the design and project engineer with the transportation department. Ben has a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from South Dakota State University and is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Minnesota.

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Media Contact: Sue Struckmann, Executive Support Supervisor, 507-328-7006