The City of Sequim’s new Public Works Director Paul Bucich started May 16.

He succeeds Sarah VanAusdle who retires on June 30.

Bucich, previously the Public Works Engineering Director/City Engineer for the City of Lakewood, brings more than 30 years of experience in public works municipal leadership managing projects related to water resources and transportation across the Puget Sound Region, according to a City of Sequim press release.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Paul’s track record of working successfully and collaboratively with elected officials, business leaders, community residents, and staff to lead the Public Works team into the future,” Sequim city manager Matthew Huish said in the release.

“Paul advocates for teamwork and community engagement. His proactive approach and notable achievements in environmental initiatives and grant applications assure us he will be an asset to our City’s civic service and infrastructure.”

Bucich earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Washington State University and is a Certified Professional Engineer.

“Sequim is a terrific area that I’ve been impressed with and visited for quite some time,” Bucich said.

“I really hope to be an asset to the City and the community. I enjoy working for smaller communities where the projects completed are appreciated and make a significant improvement.”

VanAusdle started with the city in Feb. 2011 in the finance department as an accounting assistant, and in Jan. 2012 she joined the city’s public works department as the public works management analyst.

VanAusdle was promoted to Assistant Public Works Director in May 2021, then Interim Public Works Director in October 2021.

She was named permanent director in March 2022.

Photo courtesy City of Sequim/ Sarah VanAusdle retires from the City of Sequim as its Public Works Director after starting with the city in the finance department as an accounting assistant in 2011.