Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

New at the Top: Nate Spriggs appointed Harrisburg’s director of public works

Nate Spriggs (right) was introduced as Harrisburg’s new director of public works on Monday.

Harrisburg has a new leader for one of its most visible departments.

In a press conference today, Mayor Eric Papenfuse announced that he has hired Nate Spriggs as the city’s new director of public works, the department that handles such critical services as trash pickup and snow removal.

“I’m looking forward to getting started,” Spriggs said. “I want to thank the residents of this city for having me, and I want to thank the mayor for calling me and giving me an opportunity to be the city of Harrisburg’s public works director.”

Spriggs replaces Dave West, who is retiring. West has served as director only since March, when long-time department head Aaron Johnson retired.

West will stay on until the end of the year to help transition the department before retiring, Papenfuse said.

“The residents of this city are the focus,” West said at the city hall press conference. “The residents have to continue to be the focus of this city. They’re first. We work for them. We’re servants to them.”

Spriggs may be a familiar name around Harrisburg. He worked for the city years for 22 years, including 19 in the Public Works Department, before leaving to become the public works director for Susquehanna Township in 2017.

As Harrisburg’s public works director, Spriggs will earn $120,000 a year, a jump from the position’s prior salary of $99,000 a year. Papenfuse said a raise was necessary to attract a high-quality candidate for the post.

Recently, Papenfuse has named new directors to lead several other departments. Earlier this month, he chose Ana White as the city’s new communications director and Otto Banks as the new economic development director.

Harrisburg’s department heads have to be confirmed by City Council, but can serve for up to six months on an appointed basis.

“I welcome Nate Spriggs as the city’s new director of public works,” Papenfuse said. “His previous experience working for the city and Susquehanna Township makes him the right choice for this position. He will be an asset to the city of Harrisburg.”

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