By Heather Graves
Correspondent
BELLEVUE – With nearly three decades of experience under his belt – Bellevue’s new Department of Public Works director Steve Brueggeman is ready to hit the ground running as he takes the reins of the department.
“I am looking forward to working with the village board and staff in helping provide solutions to the ever-changing issues with maintaining and improving the growing and expanding village operational and infrastructure needs in a fiscally responsible manner,” Brueggeman said.
Brueggeman has worked as the director of Engineering, Planning and Public Works for the Town of Freedom for the past 5 1/2 years.
Prior to that, he worked as a consultant for local civil engineering firms specializing in municipal and transportation related engineering.
Brueggeman believes his experience is what makes him a perfect fit for Bellevue.
“I believe that my prior experience working in both the public and private engineering sectors has provided me a well-rounded background for understanding the village’s public works operational and future development needs,” Brueggeman said. “I’m really interested in engaging with and getting to know the Bellevue community as I begin my new position with the village.”
Brueggeman is originally from Appleton, but attended high school in Wisconsin Rapids.
He obtained his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
When Brueggeman isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, coaching youth softball and watching the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers.
He was one of 10 people to apply for the job.
Brueggeman starts Sept. 16.
Village appoints new Parks, Recreation and Forestry director
Brueggeman isn’t the only new department head starting this fall.
Adam Waszak, current village recreation supervisor, has been promoted to be the new Parks, Recreation and Forestry director for Bellevue.
Waszak obtained a bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science and environmental policy and planning from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Waszak started with the village as an intern in 2015.
He was hired as recreation supervisor in 2016.
As the recreation supervisor, Waszak was responsible for the planning, organization and coordination of all recreation activities, programs and events within the village.
“Adam has been the Bellevue Recreation Supervisor for several years,” said Village Administrator Diane Wessel. “During his tenure in this position, Adam has demonstrated an outstanding ability to develop relationships with colleagues, staff and the public he serves. He has also demonstrated a passion and dedication to his profession.”
Waszak is originally from McHenry, Illinois, but now considers Bellevue home.
“Bellevue has been an absolutely amazing place for me to begin my career, and I look forward to continuing it here,” Waszak said. “I believe I will be able to step into this position seamlessly. Stephanie has been a great mentor to me over the past four years.”
Wessel said Waszak is a great fit for leader of the department.
“I am beyond confident that Adam will serve the village similarly well in this new capacity,” Wessel said. “He has the educational, professional and supervisory qualifications to serve in the role.”
Waszak said he’s ready be a part of the village’s leadership staff.
“The staff here is made up of so many dedicated employees that work hard every day to exemplify the village’s core values,” Waszak said.
Waszak said one of the things he’s enjoyed the most in his time with the village has been working closely with community groups – including the Bellevue Lions Club, Junior Jets 4-H and Bellevue East Town Optimist Club.
“We have been able to organize some great community events that would not be feasible if we didn’t have help and support from these dedicated groups,” Waszak said. “The community itself is made up of a lot of great residents and businesses that show such a strong sense of pride for our community.”
The current department head, Stephanie Schlag, tendered her resignation earlier this month.
Schlag has accepted a position with the Town of Ledgeview. Her last day is Sept. 6.
Waszak starts his new role Sept. 10.