Longtime public works director Ann Stillman celebrated in San Mateo County ahead of retirement

San Mateo County, California – A long and steady career in public service came to a heartfelt close this week as San Mateo County leaders formally recognized Public Works Director Ann M. Stillman ahead of her retirement, marking the end of nearly four decades of work that helped shape the region’s infrastructure and daily life.

During a Board of Supervisors meeting, officials unanimously approved a resolution honoring Stillman’s 38 years of service. Moments later, the atmosphere shifted from formal proceedings to celebration, as dozens of Public Works employees gathered near the front of the chambers, surrounding her with applause, smiles, and photos that captured the moment.

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Stillman’s journey began in 1987, shortly after graduating from Humboldt State University, when she joined the County as an extra-help senior engineering aide. Over the years, she steadily advanced through the ranks, eventually becoming one of the department’s first female engineers and later its director. Her path, described by supervisors as remarkable, reflected both persistence and deep commitment to public service.

Throughout her career, Stillman remained drawn to the problem-solving nature of the work. She often spoke about the satisfaction of tackling complex challenges and connecting the many moving parts behind public infrastructure. Whether addressing routine maintenance or overseeing major projects, she embraced the unpredictable rhythm of the job, sometimes even planning her lunches around the expectation that something urgent might arise.

Her leadership extended across a wide range of responsibilities. The department she led manages hundreds of miles of county roads, operates key facilities, and provides essential services such as wastewater and street lighting in unincorporated areas. Under her guidance, teams responded to everything from storm-related hazards to long-term safety improvements in local neighborhoods.

Supervisors highlighted not only the scale of her work but also the way she led. They pointed to her collaborative approach, her mentorship of colleagues, and her role in opening doors for others in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her influence, they noted, reached far beyond projects and policies, shaping the people and culture within the department.

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Stillman served as interim director beginning in 2021 before being formally appointed in 2022. She oversaw a workforce of more than 300 employees and an annual budget of $219 million.

As she prepares for her final day on March 30, county leaders also announced the appointment of Tory Newman as the next Public Works Director following a nationwide search. In a related move, Krzysztof Lisaj was designated as County Engineer and Roads Commissioner, ensuring continuity in the department Stillman helped build over nearly four decades.