Carmel-by-the-Sea public works director Ken Wysocki to leave for LAFCO; city names acting director, begins recruitment

Ken Wysocki, the city’s director of public works, announced on the Friday vlog that he will leave Carmel-by-the-Sea to serve as executive officer for the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). “I’ll be leaving Carmel By The Sea and it’s been a privilege to serve as your director of public works,” Wysocki said.

Wysocki reviewed accomplishments during his tenure, saying the department completed 13 capital improvement projects this past year and improved project tracking and transparency. He singled out the long-awaited beach stairs at 10th and 12th avenues as a notable project that is nearing completion.

Brandon (Council member) praised Wysocki’s service and said the city had already prepared a transition plan. “Shari, up in your office, who’s your project manager, is gonna be acting director when you leave,” Brandon said, and added that a recruitment to replace Wysocki is already underway.

Wysocki said he will remain in the job through May 20 and thanked city staff, volunteers and residents for their collaboration. The city did not provide a timetable for completion of the recruitment or name candidates for the permanent director role.

Why this matters: The public works director oversees streets, sidewalks, drainage, facilities, forest and shoreline management and public access — services Wysocki said touch nearly every part of daily life in the village. Staff continuity and the timing of large capital projects were emphasized as reasons the city moved quickly to appoint an acting director and open recruitment.

What’s next: Wysocki’s last day is May 20; the city has named a project manager, Shari, to serve as acting director and has opened recruitment for a permanent replacement.