The city of Des Moines has hired Jonathan Gano from Springfield, Mo., as its new public works director, according to a release today. He replaces current public works director, Pat Kozitza, who officially retires today.

In selecting Kozitza’s replacement, city officials thoroughly reviewed the position and then conducted a national recruitment and search. Gano starts Jan. 26 at a salary of $145,000, according to the city.

Gano will be faced with balancing the department’s ongoing budget challenges while meeting demands to maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure.

Gano, 39, served as the assistant public works director in Springfield. Prior to joining the city of Springfield, he was in the U.S. Army. Gano received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Science in engineering management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.