Sykes, who is a Registered Civil Engineer, began his career with San José as an Engineering Trainee in 1987, and quickly rose to positions of increasing responsibility. Early in his career he played a key role in “reengineering” the Department’s development review process, and then followed up by developing project delivery monitoring and reporting systems.
In 2002, he was appointed Assistant to the City Manager leading a new CIP Action Team in the City Manager’s Office. This team oversaw capital project delivery citywide, working with Departments to overcome project barriers through much of the Decade of Investment. In 2003, Sykes was appointed Assistant Director of Public Works with responsibility for day to day operations of the Department. Under his tenure, the Department successfully completed some $700 million in new Public Safety, Parks, and Library facilities.
“Dave has a long-standing commitment to the City and the community, and has a proven track-record of strong and effective management. He successfully led the City’s project delivery team for much of the Decade of Investment, has deep knowledge of the Department and the community, as well as extensive experience working with the development community on significant infrastructure issues,” Figone said in announcing the appointment. “With the Convention Center expansion getting underway and the Water Pollution Control Plant upgrade just over the horizon, this is a critical time for the Department. I am confident that Dave will bring the leadership necessary to ensure effective oversight of these important city facilities. He is a shining example of the next generation of talented managers that are coming up through the San José City organization.”
Since assuming the position of Acting Director, Sykes led the successful consolidation of General Services and Public Works to create a more streamlined Department, and also engaged Department staff and other City departments in identifying creative service delivery changes to achieve cost savings in the most recent budget cycle.
“Our city is facing big challenges, but San José is a great City, and I couldn’t think of a better group of people to work with than the dedicated staff who make up the City organization and the Department,” Sykes said of his appointment. “I am really excited about continuing my career here and leading Public Works through the challenges that lay ahead.”
Sykes, who is currently president of the Santa Clara County Municipal Public Works Officials, has a BA and MS in Civil Engineering, both from San José State University.
The appointment is effective immediately.