Kenmore City Manager Fred Stouder has appointed Ron Loewen as the new city engineer, effective Dec. 23.

Loewen is currently an employee of the engineering firm of Jones and Stokes, but has been serving as Kenmore’s interim city engineer on a contract basis since July.

The position reports directly to the city manager. Stouder noted more than 20 qualified engineers applied for the position, with nine earning interviews by a city panel.

“Mr. Loewen brings hands-on experience and broad knowledge along with a history of accomplishments from his previous employment in county and city government and with the private sector,” Stouder said.

Loewen’s responsibilities include managing the city’s engineering program, which includes, among other duties, reviewing and evaluating the city’s engineering and project management needs; overseeing the design and construction of projects included in Kenmore’s capital-improvement program; and, evaluating, monitoring and assuring quality of work and conformance to contracts for service.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work for the city of Kenmore and become a member of the city’s management team,” Loewen said.

Even before being hired as interim city engineer, Loewen had been involved in numerous city projects as a consultant. That work included improvements to State Route 522, other traffic engineering and surface water planning.

Loewen stated completion of work on 522 will be his highest priority.