Dave Huffman to retire after 32 years with the City of Carmel

CARMEL, IN – The City of Carmel announces that City Street Commissioner Dave Huffman (pictured at right) will retire effective October 30, 2020 after a 32-year career in which he oversaw the maintenance of the City’s transportation network during historic population growth. Current Operations Manager Terry Killen has been appointed by Mayor Jim Brainard to replace Huffman as the next Commissioner.
Huffman has had a long career in public service and leadership. An employee in the Street Department since April 1988, he became interim Street Commissioner in 2007 and was appointed officially in December of that same year. During his 32-plus years of service and his tenure as Commissioner, the department has provided a nearly incomparable level of service for the city. As Carmel has grown over the years, the Street Department has maintained its level of service managing 406 miles of streets and 47 roundabouts in 2007 to today’s 544 miles and 134 roundabouts and also elevating the aesthetics.
“I can’t thank Dave and his department enough for the services they provide for the City and the manner in which they carry out their many duties,” said Mayor Brainard. “From midnight calls on snowy winter nights to going out during a storm to remove downed trees or debris blocking our storm sewers during a heavy rain, Dave and his staff have risen to the challenge of keeping our streets and our City in optimal condition and, as a result, keeping our residents and visiting drivers safe. Additionally, it is the positive and “can do” team spirit that Dave has created in this department that makes them an exceptional crew.”
Huffman oversaw the installation of LED lights across the City, including those installed on the steel Monon Bridge over Carmel Drive, which are used to illuminate the bridge in a variety of colors depending on the holiday or other events. The light poles on Main Street, Range Line Road and all of the bridges in the city are adorned with hanging planters filled with flowers and during the holiday season, the city trees and fountains twinkle with lights in festive colors. These improvements, that help to make Carmel a world- class city, are made possible by the time and dedication of the Street Department.
The maintenance of the city’s streets also sets Carmel apart from its neighbors. In addition to essentially keeping the streets free of potholes, the Street department staff, in the winter months, ensure the safest of travels in snow and ice and perform at a pace and standard that earns them much deserved accolades. Under Huffman, the salt trucks and now, even the smaller trucks, have been fitted with wing plows to expedite snow removal and all vehicles have iPads to increase capabilities out of the office.
Under Huffman’s management, when the first Carmel Christkindlmarkt opened, the Street Department was integral in the construction of the wooden huts that surround the ice rink. In subsequent years when the number of huts nearly doubled, the Street Department rose to the challenge while also helping to assemble a three-story tower for the sale of Gluhwein and learning how to properly install and disassemble the ice rink. The market, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors owes much of its success to the dedication and time devoted by Huffman and the Carmel Street Department.
“I would like to thank all of the good citizens of Carmel for their friendship and partnership over these last years,” said Huffman. “My favorite part of my job has been those opportunities to meet our residents who love to call Carmel ‘home.’ It has been an honor to play a small part in making this the best city in America in which to live.”
Effective November 1, Terry Killen will assume the role of Street Commissioner.
Terry joined the Carmel Street Department in 1991. He was promoted to a Foreman position in 2001, then to Operations Manager in 2007.
Terry is a Certified Heavy Equipment Operator, an LTAP Road Scholar (Purdue), a Certified Public Manager (Ball State) and holds a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Terry (pictured at left) and his wife, Mary, have raised six children and now have nine grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys competitive bass fishing, participating in 8-12 tournaments per year.
Learn more about the Carmel Street Department on the City of Carmel website at carmel.in.gov.