Bartlett Named New Public Works Director

DeLand, FL - Volusia’s Road & Bridge director will soon take the helm of one of the county’s most expansive departments, the Public Works Department. At Tuesday’s (July 20) regularly scheduled council meeting, Volusia County council members voted unanimously to make Ben Bartlett—the county’s current Road & Bridge director and the choice of County Manager George Recktenwald—the county’s next Public Works director. Bartlett, however, won’t officially take over the position until the current Public Works Director, John Angiulli, retires on August 6 after serving the county for 27 years. Bartlett, himself, brings 25 years of experience to the table. "He’s done a great job for the county and he’s eminently qualified for the position of public works director," Recktenwald told council members. Bartlett began working with Volusia County back in June 2016 and has been serving as the Road & Bridge director—one of seven operating divisions that comprise the public works department—since September 2019. Before working with the county, Bartlett worked for the City of Orange City for nearly four years, first as public works operations manager then as engineering construction manager. Bartlett also brings an additional 17 years of private sector experience to the table, which was spent as a project manager and project engineer for a variety of civil construction projects. Once he officially becomes the new Public Works director, Bartlett will oversee a $205 million budget and approximately 435 employees.  "Certainly, John has done a great job," Councilwoman Barb Girtman said to Bartlett. "And I think you’re the right fit for today and where we’re going." Humbled by the support, Bartlett expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue his public service in a new role. "Public works offers the unique opportunity to do work that has immediate, positive impacts on the lives of Volusia County citizens," said Bartlett. "Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to getting to work." Bartlett has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and currently serves as president of the Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents (FACERS).