Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Christopher Blunk, who has served as the interim leader of the Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW) since December 2024, is the County of Marin’s choice as its next DPW Director. Blunk will be appointed by the Board of Supervisors during the October 14 meeting.
The County conducted a nationwide recruitment, received 35 applications for the position, and six of the most qualified were selected for the interview process. After that process, Blunk was identified as the top candidate.
Public Works has a staff of 270 full-time equivalent positions year-round and an annual budget of $85 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The five-year capital improvement plan has a budget of $400 million.
Marin County Executive Derek Johnson said the hiring panel was particularly impressed with Blunk’s ability to build strong partnerships across agencies.
“Chris stood out for his collaborative leadership style and deep understanding of how to partner effectively with cities and Caltrans,” said Johnson. “He brings a systems-thinking approach to complex projects and will play a key role in advancing strategies to enhance effectiveness and efficiency. Chris has also attracted and developed exceptional talent within the department, and we’re excited about the experience and innovation he brings to this role.”
Since being named as DPW’s interim department head, Blunk has helped lead plans for Marin County Fire Department’s new headquarters in San Geronimo and a major reconstruction of the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium at the County Fairgrounds. He filled key DPW management positions, streamlined internal delegating authorities, and strengthened internal communications as part of the response to a 2024 employee engagement survey.
Blunk started working at the County in August 2023 as DPW Assistant Director. He was responsible for four divisions of 40-plus employees and focused on transportation planning, engineering, capital improvements of facilities and infrastructure, and construction management, as well as coordination with other agencies.
“My previous roles with our department provided me with a deep understanding of Marin’s challenges and strengthened my commitment to lead with integrity, innovation, and collaboration,” he said. “I’m proud of the longstanding relationships I’ve built with colleagues and community members while staying true to the County’s values of equity, inclusion, and belonging. I believe that goes a long way in building trust.”
Blunk is a former Public Works Director / City Engineer with the City of Novato (2019-2023) following a two-year stint as that department’s deputy director. Earlier, he was with the California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 4 from 2006 to 2017 in several engineering roles, gaining experience on projects in Marin such as the Marin-Sonoma Narrows Highway 101 Widening, major paving projects on state highways, the Highway 101-East Blithedale Avenue interchange widening project in Mill Valley, and key repairs to Shoreline Highway in West Marin.
Originally from the Midwest, Blunk comes from a family with a strong tradition in engineering that inspired his early interest in the field. He holds a degree in civil engineering from The Ohio State University and is a licensed professional engineer in the State of California. Blunk brings a solid foundation in public infrastructure, facility planning, and project management, supported by extensive experience in the engineering profession. His background reflects a longstanding commitment to excellence in public service and the development of well-planned, sustainable community projects.
Blunk’s starting annual salary will be $273,811 with benefits comparable with other County department heads.