Khalil Zaied, the Public Works Director for the City of Champaign, has announced his resignation from that position effective March 8, 2024. Zaied is moving out of state to attend to private, family matters. Zaied has served as the City’s Public Works Director since October 17, 2022.
Khalil Zaied stated, “It is with a heavy heart I announce my resignation from this wonderful organization that has provided me with so many new opportunities to work collaboratively with Champaign’s residents, elected officials, staff, and community partners. I want to thank City Manager Dorothy David for entrusting me to lead the talented and dedicated staff at the Public Works Department. While I find it necessary to step down, I can assure Champaign’s residents and leaders that the department is well-equipped to continue providing the same high level of City services they have come to expect.”
City Manager Dorothy Ann David said, “It has been a pleasure working with Khalil and his extensive knowledge, experience, and leadership skills will be missed. Khalil has been an active and engaged member of our community and the City’s executive team, and I have nothing but the best wishes for him and his family.”
Reflecting back, Zaied added that he is particularly proud of these accomplishments that took place under his leadership:
- Kicking off the $35 million phase two of the Garden Hills Drainage Improvements Project which includes constructing a new stormwater detention basin and neighborhood park.
- Being welcomed by and meeting with hundreds of residents and neighborhood groups to learn about concerns and work collaboratively on solutions.
- Increasing department staffing levels to help maintain the City’s growing needs related to streetlights and traffic signal maintenance, building and landscape upkeep, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
- Initiating a detailed analysis and condition evaluation of all City-owned facilities.
- Identifying and implementing solutions to address the need for additional funding for street and public infrastructure maintenance.
- Increasing the use of data and metrics to drive decision-making processes and priorities.
A nationwide recruitment to hire a new Public Works Director will begin later this spring.