Longtime Naperville engineer promoted to electric utility director

A longtime engineer for the city of Naperville has been promoted to the role of electric utility director.

Brian Groth, currently the department's deputy director for engineering and operations, begins his new position Thursday, according to a news release. He is replacing retiring Director Lucy Podlesny, who took over the role in 2019.

Groth joined the staff in 2006 as an electrical engineer in automation and communication. He has since served as senior electrical engineer and in automated metering infrastructure and substation engineering. He has experience leading critical infrastructure improvements, helping to facilitate wireless remote electric meter readings and recently managing utility operations, planning and budgeting, officials said.

"Brian Groth is a wonderful example of a subject-matter expert who has grown his career here with the city and is ready to take the next step into leadership," City Manager Doug Krieger said in a statement.