NORFOLK
John Keifer retired from the City of Norfolk, Director of Public Works position on August 1, 2014 after 23 years.
Prior to his service with the City of Norfolk, he was a Civil Engineer Corps officer in the U. S. Navy for 20 years.
As the Director of Public Works, John was responsible for the management of an operating budget of over $55 million and managed capital projects with over $50million of work in place each year. He led over 400 employees providing services to the citizens and business of Norfolk including: design, construction and contract management of the City’s construction projects; waste collection including recycling and hazardous waste collection; maintenance of streets, sidewalks, traffic signs and signals; management of the City’s traffic management system; implantation and continuing oversight of the City’s storm water management and flooding program; right of way management; City surveying services; and the City’s towing and recovery program.
John was the leader of the City’s flooding evaluation and planning program that included a number of extensive studies of flood susceptible areas in Norfolk; development of flooding remediation projects; and pursuit of state and federal funding opportunities.
John was assigned as an acting Assistant City Manager on two occasions and led the city’s recovery efforts from Hurricane Isabel and other numerous storms and was the City’s Program Manager for completion of the Light Rail project.
While in the Navy, John was assigned duties involving maintenance and construction of facilities; contracts, and construction management; and environmental programs.
John is a registered Profession Engineer in Virginia and Washington State, has Masters Degrees from the University of Pittsburgh in Civil Engineering and Public Works Management and has a degree in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University.
John was an active member of the American Public Works Association serving as president of the Virginia-Maryland-District of Columbia Chapter.
John and his wife, Jill, have been residents of Norfolk for 23 years.