Mayor Scott to Name Deputy DPW Director Richard J. Luna as Interim Director of the Department of Public Works

Friday Jun 30th, 2023

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

Mayor Scott to Name Deputy DPW Director Richard J. Luna as Interim Director of the Department of Public Works

Rluna

Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced that Deputy Director Richard J. Luna will serve as the Interim Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW), while the search for a permanent  Director continues. This appointment follows the June 30, 2023, departure of Director Jason W. Mitchell, Ed.D., and reflects Deputy Director Luna’s exceptional qualifications, expertise, and commitment to ensuring the efficient and reliable provisions of water, wastewater, solid waste, and recycling services without interruptions. 

Deputy Director Luna has demonstrated exemplary leadership since joining DPW in 2022. Throughout his tenure, Deputy Director Luna has played a pivotal role in shaping the department’s strategic initiatives and maintaining the highest standards of quality, reliability, and sustainability in water supply and management. 

“Deputy Director Luna has a strong track record of success that makes him the ideal candidate to lead DPW during this transitional period,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “I am confident in his ability to lead DPW effectively. I have no doubt that under his leadership, DPW will continue to thrive and make a positive impact within the City.”

As Interim Director, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of DPW, working collaboratively with the dedicated team of professionals and frontline workers to ensure the delivery of high-quality water and solid waste services. He will continue to collaborate with City agencies to support trash and recycling collections, our most essential services. Deputy Director Luna has more than a decade of municipal management expertise and knowledge, having served as an advisor for the District of Columbia’s Office of the Assistant City Administrator for Internal Services. In addition, he served as Deputy City Administrator for the City of Oakland, California, where he managed the administrative functions of the City Administrator’s Office and supported two community-led commissions. He also holds a Master's in Public Administration from California State University, Los Angeles.  

“I am honored to assume the role of Interim Director for the Department of Public Works,” said Deputy Director Richard Luna. “I am dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service delivery, environmental stewardship, and customer satisfaction. I look forward to working closely with our talented team and engaging with our community stakeholders to meet the evolving needs of our City.” 

 
 

Related Stories

TODAY, Friday Aug. 9: DPW Cancels ALL Solid Waste Services---Recycling, Trash, Street Sweeping, Landfill Operations Suspended and Drop-off Centers Closed

Due to the extended tornado watch issued for the Baltimore area by the National Weather Service, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is cancelling ALL Solid Waste services today, Friday, August 9. In addition to the suspension of trash and recycling collections and mechanical street sweeping services, DPW is suspending operations at the Quarantine Road Landfill and at the Northwest Transfer Station and closing all Residential Drop-Off Centers.

DPW Suspends Trash, Recycling & Street Sweeping on Friday, August 9 Trash, Recycling Make-Up Day is Monday, Aug. 12

Due to weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is cancelling all trash and recycling collections and mechanical street sweeping services on Friday, August 9, 2024. The trash and recycling make-up day will be Monday, August 12.

DPW to Pause Trash and Recycling Collections on Tuesday, August 6

In response to the tragic death of Department of Public Works (DPW) crewmember Ronald Silver II at the end of last week and as part of our ongoing commitment to employee safety, DPW will conduct a mandatory heat safety training session on Tuesday, August 6. This session will focus on the Occupational Safety Health Administration’s guidelines for recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and related illnesses and ensure employees recognize heat stress hazards and act appropriately to address those hazards. It is required for all employees from the Reedbird and Bowleys Lane facilities. Transportation will be provided to accommodate all staff.

Visit the Newsroom