Brian Isaacson selected as Director of Public Works
Brian Isaacson
Brian Isaacson has been named Ramsey County’s new Director of Public Works. Isaacson has served as the county’s interim Director of Public Works since early May – reporting to Deputy County Manager of Economic Growth and Community Investment Johanna Berg – and his permanent appointment will begin Sept. 6.
Isaacson has nearly three decades of experience in the transportation and planning fields. He joined Ramsey County in September 2018 as the Deputy Director of Public Works overseeing the multimodal planning division, which works to advance infrastructure planning and development for current and future county roads, transit corridors and Ramsey County’s All-Abilities Transportation Network. From 1999 to 2018, Isaacson served in several program management and leadership roles at the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Prior to that, he held planning positions with multiple agencies in Massachusetts.
“Brian’s extensive leadership experience in the transportation industry makes him the ideal candidate to lead our Public Works department,” said Berg. “His collaborative approach, technical expertise and commitment to the county’s vision will be critical assets as we continue to build a transportation system that meets the needs of all residents and users.”
Ramsey County Public Works has 137 employees and is responsible for nearly 850 lane miles of county roads including construction, repairs, maintenance and snow removal. The central fleet, multimodal planning and environmental services divisions are also housed within the department, along with the Surveyor's Office.
“I’m honored to lead our talented, hardworking Public Works team in building a transportation system that supports residents of all abilities,” said Isaacson. “People’s perception of how transportation best works in their lives is rapidly changing. It is an exciting opportunity to apply our team’s creativity and innovation in working with Ramsey County communities to meet those needs.”
Isaacson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in regional planning at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He resides in Shoreview with his wife and four sons.