Contact: Mitzi Rapkin, community relations director, City of Aspen - Phone: 970-920-5082 or 970-319-2971- Email: mitzi.rapkin@ci.aspen.co.us
Aspen, Colorado – May 25, 2011–The City of Aspen is pleased to announce it has hired Dave Hornbacher as the new utilities director. Hornbacher has worked as the deputy director of utilities and environmental initiatives since April 2010. Hornbacher will continue to work on the implementation of the Castle Creek Energy Center as well as overseeing the employees and operations of water, electric, renewable energy, utility billing and environmental initiative departments.
“I am excited to continue working for the city in this expanded capacity,” Hornbacher said. “I am committed to the city’s goal of providing renewable energy and clean water, as well as following the course of implementing progressive policies for all our utilities and environmental efforts.”
Hornbacher takes over for Phil Overeynder who stepped down last month due to health issues. Overeynder continues to work for the utilities department, focusing on special projects and serving as an advisor on issues related to energy purchases, water rights and strategic planning.
Hornbacher has worked in the utility sector as an analyst, managing engineer, and manager since 1984. Before coming to the City of Aspen, he worked for Colorado Springs Utilities and then Xcel Energy as a Local Government Project Manager and the Manager of New Business Design.
“We are fortunate to have such an experienced and capable person take over the city’s utility department,” said city manager Steve Barwick. “Hornbacher is a valuable asset as we move into the future with an eye toward being as green as we can as a utility while also preserving the environment we love. We are proud of the work and progress Overeynder achieved and are confident Hornbacher will continue to keep Aspen as one of the most progressive energy and water providers in the nation.”
Hornbacher has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agronomy from Colorado State University. He is currently working on a Master’s of Public Administration from Colorado State.
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