Missoula County Names New Public Works Director
Posted on March 13, 2025
Missoula County has chosen Jason Mitchell as its new Public Works director. Mitchell will oversee all Public Works operations, including the Road and Bridge, and Building divisions, the Surveyors Office, the four sewer and water systems under county jurisdiction and the Seeley Lake Refuse District.
Mitchell, who starts March 31, comes to Missoula County with more than 15 years of experience in public works, facilities management and capital project oversight. He most recently served as director of facilities, health and safety for Engie, a multinational corporation specializing in low-carbon energy and services. He managed a $22 million budget, led large scale capital improvement projects and managed a large fleet of service vehicles in that role. Mitchell has also served in the public sector as an engineering project manager for the Town of Jackson, Wyoming, as construction superintendent for the Missoula Housing Authority, and as a technology specialist for Missoula County 9-1-1.
Mitchell will replace current Public Works Director Shane Stack, who will retire in June after serving in the public sector for 30 years, first at the Montana Department of Transportation, then at Missoula County. After interviewing a pool of qualified candidates, the county commissioners ultimately chose Mitchell based on his experience leading multidisciplinary teams in managing complex public works and construction initiatives.
“Filling Shane Stack's shoes is going to be daunting no matter what, but we are impressed by Jason's leadership abilities and experience maintaining and improving infrastructure and crisis management systems,” said Commission Chair Juanita Vero. “He's empathetic and has a leadership style that empowers others. We're looking forward to welcoming him to the Missoula County team.”
Mitchell has an undergraduate degree in geography with a GIS emphasis and a Master of Business Administration, both from Frostburg State University in Maryland. He has professional certifications in facility management and project management. “I'm excited to help develop cost-effective and innovative solutions for Missoula County and its constituents,” Mitchell said. “I believe my financial and project management experience will help me be successful and transparent in this important role.”
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