BA names new Director

Rocky Henkel, former Streets and Stormwater Director for the City of Broken Arrow, is the organization's new Director of Community Development.

Henkel has been with the City since 2018 and assumed his new role on Monday, March 29.

"Rocky Henkel has done an amazing job as director of the Streets and Stormwater Department and is ready to take the helm of our Community Development Department," Spurgeon said. "Over the years, Rocky has worked closely with the Community Development team and understands the opportunities and challenges associated with managing and supporting the growth in our amazing city! He brings great leadership skills and the collaborative experience needed in his new position."

The Community Development Department's mission is to provide a one-stop service for commercial and residential development. It is comprised of four divisions, each with varying degrees of responsibility. They include:

· Planning and Development

· Placemaking

· Neighborhood Engagement and Inspections

· Community Permitting and Licensing

The staff provides essential information to the public concerning city codes and ordinances and oversees the platting process, zoning, planned unit developments (PUDs), inspections, occupational licensing, and public nuisance guidelines.

Though the Community Development Director position will be an entirely different role and skillset, Henkel says he's excited about the challenge and the opportunity.

"I think this is going to help me grow as a better community servant and help improve the community and the organization," Henkel said. "So, I'm looking forward to that challenge because it's different than streets and stormwater-it's just a different animal. Being challenged is important to me."

Henkel found his passion for public service as a student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He worked full-time for the Nebraska Department of Transportation while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Over the years, Henkel has gained significant experience working in three other cities before coming to Broken Arrow.

In addition to his previous Streets and Stormwater Department role, he also served as the interim Utilities Director from January, when Charles Vokes retired, until March, when Timothy Robins was promoted to that position.

"I think no matter what department we serve in, at the end of the day, it's all about public service and customer service impact," Henkel said. "Community Development is a more customer-facing department. We deal with developers, home builders, bankers, and people that want to come into this community."

He says it is critical for the city to have an excellent working relationship with each entity.

"We want to be able to help meet their needs as the city grows," Henkel said.

Though he is changing offices, Henkel's focus remains the same, providing first class customer service.

"Ultimately, the mission is the same mindset that I had as the Streets and Stormwater director, and that is to serve and provide a positive impact within the community and this organization," Henkel said. "So, I want to be able to create a new legacy, leave this place better than when I found it, and help impact the community where my kids choose to work and play someday."

Assistant Streets and Stormwater Director Tim Wilson will serve as Acting Streets and Stormwater Director in the interim. Henkel is confident that the department will continue to thrive under Wilson's leadership.

"Tim has a lot of experience, knowledge, and great leadership ability," Henkel said. "I'm confident the department will be just as successful, if not more successful, under his leadership."

Likewise, Spurgeon has excellent expectations for Henkel as Community Development Director.

"Working with the Community Development staff and all the stakeholders in BA, I believe the department will continue to set the standard in community development administration and the pace for the metro region!" Spurgeon concluded.

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