photo by: Contributed photo

Public Works Director Keith Browning is set to retire later this month after having served Douglas County for more than three decades.

A longtime Douglas County public servant who has overseen some of the county’s unsung improvements will soon retire.

Public Works Director Keith Browning, 66, will leave the position later this month after having served the county for 31 years over two stints, where he has overseen the maintenance and improvement of the county’s hundreds of miles of rural roads and related infrastructure.

Browning, who has been the director for the department’s last 22 years, has also overseen much larger projects, including the reconstruction of the Lone Star Lake spillway and rehabilitation of the bridge over the Kansas River in Lecompton, he told the Journal-World in a recent interview.

While those improvements are not the most glamorous jobs, they are some of the most important to county residents. Browning said that he was particularly proud of the department’s work on improving the shoulders of rural roads in recent years, which makes driving much safer for county residents.

“A lot of accidents are run-off-the-road accidents, and it’s important we make those roads safer,” Browning said.

Doug Stephens, Douglas County’s operations division manager and Browning’s longest serving co-worker, said safety has always been a top concern for Browning.

“He cared for everything he was responsible for, which was a whole bunch,” Stephens said. “He really cared about his job and the safety of the traveling public.”

Long career

Browning, who will officially retire on June 15, first joined Douglas County in 1985 as a civil engineer. He left a couple of years later to work for Coffey County and then Johnson County in similar positions.

But he returned to Douglas County in 1991, when he was hired as chief design engineer.

“Douglas County is really home,” Browning said. “When the opening happened in 1991, I wanted to work closer to home.”

Browning, originally from Johnson County, moved to Douglas County when he attended the University of Kansas. He is a two-time graduate of KU, originally earning a degree in business administration. But upon graduation, he realized he did not like the available job opportunities. He then returned to KU to earn another degree in civil engineering, which broadened his opportunities, he said.

“What drove me to (civil engineering) was that there will always be a need, and the work is important,” he said. “You see the results of your work, and it helps people.”

Browning has experience working in small, medium and large communities, and all presented different experiences and challenges. But, regardless of size, many of the needs of the public don’t change.

“You can work just about anywhere,” Browning said. “They all have a need for civil engineering.”

photo by: Dylan Lysen

Keith Browning, Douglas County engineer and director of public works, speaks to the Douglas County Commission during its meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020.

‘Tremendous leader’

In 1998, Browning was promoted to the position of department director and county engineer, which he has held ever since. Some of his colleagues who spoke to the Journal-World noted leadership as his top quality.

Stephens said he has always appreciated how Browning led the Public Works Department, particularly Browning’s willingness to listen.

“His leadership style was always greatly appreciated, not only by myself but by all those that were fortunate to work with Keith on a day-to-day basis,” Stephens said. “I have nothing but respect for Keith, and he’s been a great leader for public works,” he added.

Through his position, Browning has often spoken publicly about the department’s work during Douglas County Commission meetings. His demeanor during those meetings is relaxed, straightforward and direct, many have noted.

County Administrator Sarah Pinsky said that’s the kind of leader Browning is. While calling Browning a “tremendous leader,” Plinsky said she’s always been impressed with his ability to build relationships with many different county partners and employees.

“His quiet, consistent, no-nonsense approach to public service has made him a trusted colleague to many,” Plinsky said. “He leaves big shoes to fill and will be missed.”

Moving forward

Browning said he was not sure what he would do in retirement. He said he still wanted to work, maybe just not full time. In the meantime, he and his wife, Theresa, plan to remain in Douglas County.

When Browning officially retires, he will hand the reins of Public Works over to Chad Voigt, who currently serves as the deputy director. Browning said he believes the department would be in goods hands with Voigt.

“I’m very confident in the future of this department,” he said. “Good work will continue on, and this department will probably improve.”

Voigt said in an email to the Journal-World that he thought the department was well-positioned for future challenges because of Browning’s tenure.

“Keith earned the trust and respect of the community, and in return Public Works has been given the tools and support needed to provide great public service,” Voigt said. “Keith leaves the Public Works department in great shape for the future.”