BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — The City of Bloomington announced Monday that Jim Karch has been named the city’s new Director of Engineering.

Karch has been serving as the interim director since February and has more than 20 years of experience with the city, Bloomington spokeswoman Katherine Murphy said.

Since joining the city in 2000, he has played key roles in developing the five-year Sewer Capital Master Plan, overseeing rehabilitation projects and managing stormwater and sewer programs, Murphy said.

“Jim’s leadership, expertise, and passion for public service make him the right choice to lead our Engineering Department,” City Manager Jeff Jurgens said. “He understands not just the technical side of infrastructure, but also how to improve processes and communication so that we can be more responsive to the community. His vision will help make Bloomington’s engineering efforts more efficient, strategic, and focused on the needs of our residents.”

Karch said he was honored to take the role.

“Infrastructure is at the core of a strong city, and I look forward to building a team that delivers solutions in a way that’s effective, efficient, and responsive to our residents,” Karch said.

He also previously served as director of Bloomington Public Works and helped transition the Grossinger Motors Arena to City management.

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