Features

Berkeley has hired Claudette Ford as acting director of public works to replace Rene Cardinaux, who is retiring Aug. 5 after eight years with the city. 

Ford worked as the public works agency director in Oakland for five years and before that served as the director of public works in New Haven, Conn. For the past year, she has worked as a private consultant. 

In Oakland, Ford supervised 750 employees with an operating budget of $98 million and a $35 million capital program. 

“Ms. Ford’s past experience in a neighboring city has amply prepared her for the role of acting public works director for Berkeley,” said Phil Kamlarz in a statement. David Hodgkins, the acting human resources director, said Ford would get a trial run as acting director. If both she and the city are satisfied, Kamlarz could then ask the City Council to make her the permanent department head. 

Public works, which includes the Office of Transportation, is the city’s largest department with an annual budget of about $75 million. 

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