Public Works Director named

Eric Oscarson, MPA, has been named the new city of Burleson public works director. Oscarson, a certified arborist and landscape irrigator, most recently served as assistant director of public works for Sugar Land. He will begin his duties on Jan. 18.

"We welcome Eric to the city of Burleson and look forward to working with him as we continue our efforts to provide a safe and effective transportation system through our city," said Bryan Langley, Burleson City Manager. "Throughout the extensive interview process, Eric displayed a wealth of knowledge and experience in cutting edge signal technology. He also has extensive knowledge in street, water, sewer and fleet management operations. We are excited to welcome him to the Burleson team."

As the public works director, Oscarson will be responsible for managing all aspects of Burleson's public works services, including solid waste and recycling, capital improvements, street maintenance, water and wastewater services and fleet management operations.

Oscarson has served as the assistant director in Sugar Land since 2017. In that role, he led a staff of 40 and managed a $10.5 million operating budget and a $10 million capital budget. Oscarson has served as the director of public works for the Village of Schiller Park, Illinois and Navajo County, Arizona. He began his career in public works in 2005, where he served as a public works maintenance employee for the Village of Schaumburg, Illinois.

"I am very excited to join the city of Burleson and continue the great work of the public works department," stated Oscarson. "I am grateful for the opportunity to work for the Burleson community and am excited to join the management team. I look forward to working with the public works team and setting the city's future path. Working alongside the mayor, city council, and residents, our department will assist in making their vision of Burleson a reality."

Oscarson holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Columbia College.

Oscarson is replacing former Public Works Director Aaron Russell. Russell served the city of Burleson for 13 years. He took a position with the city of Weatherford, serving as assistant city manager.