Apache Junction Names Veteran South Dakota Leader to Public Works Post

[NEWS RELEASE]  The city of Apache Junction has named Michael Wever, PE, as its new director of Public Works, effective July 10.

Wever comes to Apache Junction with nearly 30 years of experience with the city of Huron, S.D., and the South Dakota Department of Transportation. The Apache Junction City Council is scheduled to take up ratification of the appointment on July 18.

Wever has spent the last 19 years in Huron, the first 15 as city engineer and the last four as city engineer and public works director. In the first 10 years of his governmental career, he held engineering positions with the South Dakota transportation department. In his position with the city of Huron, Wever oversaw a multi-million dollar budget, including a $6.3 million capital improvement project program.

Wever noted his experience would play well in the partnerships the city of Apache Junction public works department has developed with the Arizona Department of Transportation and others.

“I welcome the opportunity to be part of Apache Junction’s anticipated growth and new development,” Wever said. “My experience working for and with the state, as well as my years of design and review, gives me the ability to understand the process, anticipate the problems and help the team work toward solutions.”

Wever earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and holds engineering licenses in Arizona and South Dakota.

“The Public Works Department is a critical part of our community,” said Apache Junction City Manager Bryant Powell. “We are certain that Michael Wever will continue the momentum we have built over the years through our partnerships.”

Wever takes over for Giao Pham, who left the city for a position in the town of Gilbert earlier this year. Veteran city administrator John Mitchell held the post on an interim basis.