City of Lee's Summit Announces New Director of Water Utilities
The City of Lee’s Summit is pleased to announce Jeff Thorn's appointment as director of Water Utilities, effective March 20. Thorn replaces Mark Schaufler, who retired in February after serving the City for 31 years.
Thorn has more than 28 years of experience in engineering, project management and the construction of water and wastewater projects. For the past five years, he has been the deputy director of Lee’s Summit Water Utilities, managing the Engineering Division, Operations Division and Facilities Group. In this role, he provided specific technical support and guidance related to the water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems and facilities, equipment and controls. Before that, he served as the utility’s assistant director of engineering, managing all engineering aspects for the water and wastewater utility.
In his new role, Thorn will provide strategic leadership in managing and delivering the City’s water services, including the establishment of operational standards, program goals, policies and operating processes. He will lead a department of 76 professionals and a $59 million operational budget.
“Jeff brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. He has played vital roles in developing the current master plans for our water and sewer systems and the Water Utilities Strategic Plan,” said Assistant City Manager Ryan Elam. “We’re excited for the future as Jeff transitions into this critical leadership role.”
Thorn is a licensed professional engineer with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University. He serves as chair of the Little Blue Valley Sewer District Technical Advisory Committee and represents the City on the Middle Big Creek Sewer Subdistrict Advisory Board.