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Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski on Thursday named Mike Reberg director of the Department of Public Utilities. Reberg has held several positions in Salt Lake County government — most recently director of animal services, with a budget of $6 million and 70 employees.
"Reberg has spent his professional career managing complex organizations in local and federal government, the mayor said in a news release.
He replaces veteran Jeff Niermeyer who worked at Public Utilities for a quarter century — nine as director. Niermeyer left the department in December.
Biskupski said Reberg was an ideal choice to lead the department that provides drinking water and street lighting to residents.
"In selecting the director of Public Utilities, I was focused on finding an individual with a high degree of management experience in the public sector, a proven record of environmental stewardship, and a demonstrated commitment to customer service," the mayor said.
Reberg also has worked as assistant director of Public Works for Salt Lake County, district director for former Congressman Jim Matheson, and held a post at the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
Biskupski also cited his expertise in Wasatch Mountain watershed protection as important experience for a Public Utilities director.
Reberg serves on the board of directors of Save our Canyons.
In a prepared statement, Reberg said it is "an honor" to be appointed to the post.
"It's clear to anyone who has worked with the mayor that she has a deep commitment to ensuring government works for the people," he said. "As the director, I am committed to creating an environment where the talented and intelligent individuals who work for the Department of Public Utilities can thrive, and where a commitment to customer service is paramount in decisions we make."
Reberg begins his new assignment Feb. 1.
He is the third top executive coming to the capital from Salt Lake County — the fourth counting Biskupski.
The mayor, an assistant to county Sheriff Jim Winder before taking office early this month, named Patrick Leary as her chief of staff and David Litvack as deputy chief of staff. Leary had been working as township executive at the county and Litvack was coordinator of the criminal justice advisory council.