County executive describes Geary's departmental experience, knowledge as 'perfect fit' for job
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz has appointed William Geary Jr. as Erie County commissioner of the Department of Public Works. Geary, who had been serving as deputy commissioner of the Department in the Highways Division since October 2012, replaces Charles Sickler. Sickler had been serving as interim commissioner of the Public Works Department following the retirement of John Loffredo in January.
"Bill Geary is a great choice for commissioner - a conscientious and detail-oriented worker whose experience and knowledge of the department make him a perfect fit for the post," Poloncarz said. "Bill has been at the forefront of departmental activities in road construction and also whenever bad weather hits, including during 2014's Winter Storm Knife, so he has experience both in day-to-day actions and, at times, when the unexpected happens.
"In addition to a resume that has Public Works' experience going back 25 years, Bill is a decorated and active member of U.S. Air Force reserves, holding the rank of senior master sergeant with service on multiple deployments around the world over the past 16 years. He is well-qualified to serve as our Public Works commissioner, and I look forward to working with Bill in his new role."
Prior to serving as deputy DPW commissioner, Geary served as senior highway maintenance engineer in the department from 2008-12. He held numerous roles in the Town of West Seneca highway and engineering departments from 1992-2008. He has served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves since 1991 and was named "Reservist of the Year" in 2004. Geary has been awarded 20 medals from the U.S. Air Force, and also served on two one-year tours in Iraq/Afghanistan in 2003 and 2005.
"I am honored to be appointed as Public Works commissioner and I thank County Executive Poloncarz for choosing me to serve our community," Geary said. "We have a good team in Erie County and I am proud to be a part of it - whether we are building and maintaining infrastructure or responding to nature's challenges."
Geary began in the commissioner's post Tuesday.
