The City of Loveland has hired Will Jones as its next public works director. Jones was selected from two highly qualified finalists following a national search and will begin his new role on Jan. 12, 2026.

 “We are thrilled to welcome Will to our leadership team in Loveland,” said City Manager Jim Thompson. “He has a reputation for being a strategic thinker and relationship builder known for his ability to drive innovation and foster collaborative partnerships that benefit the community.”

Most recently, Jones served as Public Works & Transportation deputy director for the City of Greeley, where he led more than 140 employees across the mobility, infrastructure services, and fleet divisions. His management experience extends to facilities, stormwater, engineering, and asset management. Jones advanced major initiatives such as the city’s Smart City program, improving capital planning, and developing emergency response operations. He also brings a strong background in modernizing Public Works operations through technology, data, and improved coordination that create efficiencies and enhance service delivery.

Jones brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in both public and private sectors, including roles with Reliant Transportation and Medical Management Options. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Regis University and has completed extensive training in change management, customer service, and operational safety.

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve the residents of Loveland and to join an organization committed to strengthening public infrastructure and enhancing community services,” said Jones. “ I look forward to working with Loveland’s dedicated employees, residents, and businesses to improve outcomes, increase transparency, and support the city’s long-term goals.”

As the City’s public works director, Jones will lead the department's strategic planning and operations, working closely with the City Manager's Office and Executive Leadership Team. He will oversee a base operating budget of $67 million and manage a team of more than 175 dedicated professionals in ten divisions who:

• Build and maintain 395 centerline miles of roads
• Manage traffic lights at over 100 intersections and maintain more than 29,000 traffic signs to keep Loveland’s streets safe and efficient
• Provide reliable trash and recycling services to more than 29,000 households, including operations at the Loveland Recycling Center, which welcomed over 148,000 visitors in 2024
• Support mobility for more than 411,000 riders annually through COLT, Loveland’s transit system
• Maintain over one million square feet of City facility space
• Order and maintain over 835 vehicles including COLT buses, trash trucks, police and operational vehicles, and those used by Loveland Fire Rescue Authority
• Oversee stormwater management, floodplain and stewardship of the Big Thompson River corridor

 Jones steps into the role following the retirement of Mark Jackson, who served as the City’s public works director from 2017 - 2025. Deputy director Jodi Lessman has served as acting director in the interim.

"As we welcome Will, I want to extend my deep appreciation to Mark for his dedication and leadership to the City of Loveland and to Jodi for stepping into this important role to keep operations moving efficiently,” said Thompson.

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