Reading, MA – The Town of Reading today announces the promotion of Christopher Cole to Director Department of Public Works (DPW). In this new role, Cole will oversee 60 Town employees and be responsible for all oversight related to the planning, designing, operating, maintaining, and managing of public ways, parklands, open space, public grounds, town cemeteries, water distribution systems, sewer collection systems, and the collection and disposal of solid waste/recycling in Reading.
A long-time Town employee, Cole will celebrate 20 years with Reading Public Works in June of 2024. He began his tenure in 2004 as a Civil Engineer and was named Assistant Director of Public Works in 2018. Cole obtained his degree in Civil Engineering from Merrimack College in 2004, and in 2017 completed a Master’s Certificate Program from Suffolk University in Local Government Leadership and Management.
“I’m thrilled to be named Reading’s Director of Public Works,” said Cole. “During my time here, I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from some of the very best people in Public Works, and I look forward to continuing these efforts as we strive to deliver the best experience to the residents here in Reading.”
This promotion comes on the heels of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers naming Cole as its 2023 BSCES Government Civil Engineer of the Year in June 2023. The award is presented annually to a BSCES member serving as a paid public sector engineer at a federal, state, or municipal agency, department, or authority in Massachusetts.
Cole’s appointment follows the upcoming retirement of current DPW Director Jane Kinsella, who has been with the Town for more than 17 years.
“The Town of Reading’s DPW is in the capable hands of Chris’ leadership,” said Kinsella. “He’s been a constant during my tenure here in Reading and easily rose to the top of a competitive pool of applicants to win this role. I look forward to seeing him and the DPW staff continue the important work of the DPW here in Town.”
“No one knows the ins and outs of Reading’s DPW like Chris,” said Town Manager Fidel Maltez. “It’s extremely gratifying to appoint him to DPW Director, and I know he will be an effective leader following the retirement of Director Jane Kinsella. We thank Jane for her many years of service to the Town!”
Cole will officially assume Director duties in February of 2024.
