The City of Venice has named Ricky Simpson as its new Director of Public Works and Asset Management.

Simpson has been with the City a total of just over 6 years, serving as Assistant Public Works Director since November 2018.

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Simpson visited relatives in the Fort Myers area every summer since 1984 and relocated to Southwest Florida in 2002.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Simpson originally pursued a career in law enforcement in Ohio. He graduated from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Corrections Academy and spent 1 year in the Corrections Division. He then completed the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program through the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Patrol Academy. His favorite part of the job was working with his dad for nearly a decade.

“I was at the courthouse one afternoon and had the privilege to spend time with William Brayshaw, who was the Hamilton County Engineer,” Simpson said. “Before I relocated to Florida in 2002 I went to work for the Hamilton County Engineering Department as a crew leader, building roads, working on stormwater projects, and doing snow removal in the township where I lived. This job was the actual start of my true passion. I love seeing completed projects and being able to look back at my work.”

Once in Florida, Simpson started working for the Lee County Department of Transportation, as a crew leader and assistant supervisor operating vehicles including loaders, backhoes, skid steers, gradalls, bush hogs, slope mowers, tree trucks, asphalt trucks, and rollers. In 2011, he became a Field Supervisor for Collier County Coastal Zone Management in Naples. This position required a master diver certification, water quality sampling certification, and a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license. Simpson managed beach renourishment projects, reef building, water quality, and general maintenance of all the beaches in Collier County. Simpson spent 12 years with Lee and Collier counties before coming to work for Venice.

In his new role as Venice Public Works Director, Simpson said, “I want to continue with the forward momentum and positive work atmosphere that I have worked so hard to create. I enjoy working closely with staff. Building relationships is a top priority for me.”

Said City Manager Ed Lavallee, “The appointment of Ricky Simpson to Director of the Public Works Department adds a very desirable complement of certified skill level, cultural knowledge and hands-on experience. Ricky has working knowledge of all facets of the Public Works Department and a highly respected working relationship with all other department directors in the City.”

“The City is thrilled to see Ricky Simpson promoted to the Director role at the Public Works Department,” said Assistant City Manager James Clinch. “Not only does he bring over 20 years of Public Works management experience, but he has personally built the City’s Public Works Department into what it is today. Ricky takes great pride in supporting his staff, carefully managing City projects, and above all, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of City services to our residents. We are extremely fortunate to have such a capable and sound leader to take over this challenging City position.”

Simpson and his wife Michelle have two adult children and a 1-year-old grandson. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing guitar, going out on the boat for beach trips and fishing, and taking care of the family’s chickens.

Simpson replaces former Public Works Director Charlie Mopps, who resigned from the City earlier this month.