Provo’s Public Works Department has a new director, and city officials didn’t have to go far to fill the vacancy.

The Provo City Council unanimously voted to appoint Gordon Haight to the new role Tuesday.

He’s served as Provo’s city engineer since 2022 but has worked in city government for nearly 30 years.

Haight was named interim director of public works following the retirement of Dave Decker earlier last year, a role Decker held for 12 years.

“For nearly three years, I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with public works employees, Mayor (Michelle) Kaufusi and administration, the Provo City Council and most importantly, residents,” Haight said in a press release. “I’ve seen the ‘One Provo’ spirit as we’ve worked together to solve problems and achieve our shared vision for Provo.”

Haight hasn’t wasted any time putting his expertise of engineering, public works and administration to work.

According to the release, he’s already played a role in some major city projects, including the recently completed overhead pedestrian bridge at Provo Central Station and the Provo Airport expansion.

Kaufusi applauded Haight’s new role by highlighting his leadership qualities. “Provo City is a thriving and successful community experiencing remarkable progress. To maintain our trajectory and realize our forward-looking vision, having a seasoned leader as our public works director is essential, particularly for overseeing transformative projects like the wastewater and water treatment plants,” she said.

Leadership was just one of many boxes Haight reportedly checked off. Other characteristics, including being an innovator and having strong community-engagement skills, also played a factor into Provo’s decision to award him the job.

“The Provo Director of Public Works has stewardship over our major water resources and treatment projects. These projects represent Provo’s largest infrastructure advancements benefitting our citizens for generations,” Provo City Chief Administrative Officer Scott Henderson said in the release.

Haight was raised in California and moved to Utah at the age of 21 to attend BYU, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in engineering management.

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