PRESS RELEASE: Manhattan Beach Appoints Ramzi Awwad New Public Works Director (PDF)

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alexandria Latragna, Communications and Civic Engagement Manager
alatragna@manhattanbeach.gov • (310) 802-5063

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANHATTAN BEACH APPOINTS RAMZI AWWAD NEW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Manhattan Beach, CA (July 13, 2026) – The City of Manhattan Beach announces the appointment of Ramzi Awwad as the City’s new Public Works Director, effective July 13, 2026.

Awwad brings over 22 years of public works and engineering experience to the role primarily in leadership positions. He currently serves as Public Works Director for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, where he oversees the full scope of public works services, including engineering, utilities, streets, buildings, facilities, fleet, solid waste, and environmental programs, for a community with high service expectations.

Prior to Rancho Palos Verdes, Awwad spent over a decade with Arlington County, Virginia, where he served as Transportation Engineer, Engineering Design Team Supervisor and finally Engineering Bureau Chief. As Bureau Chief, he directed a portfolio of more than 100 infrastructure projects valued at over $100 million, including work associated with the Amazon HQ2 development. He also designed transportation engineering projects for a consulting firm and led the Highway Department for Carroll County, Indiana, early in his career.

“Ramzi brings a combination of technical depth and community-focused leadership that we were looking for in our next Public Works Director,” said City Manager Talyn Mirzakhanian. “His experience managing complex capital projects, delivering excellent services, and his track record of leading strong teams, make him well-suited to lead our Public Works Department as Manhattan Beach continues to invest in its infrastructure.”

“I am excited to join the Manhattan Beach team and continue building on the City’s strong tradition of public works service,” said Awwad. “I look forward to working with staff, the City Council, and the community to deliver projects that serve residents and businesses well into the future.”

Awwad holds a Master of Science in Transportation and Infrastructure Systems Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management, both from Purdue University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia.

As Public Works Director, Awwad will oversee the department’s full range of services, including engineering, streets, utilities, facilities, fleet, and will oversee the development and management of the City’s Capital Improvement Program.