Broken Arrow Announces New Departments, Directors General Services Director Retires After 32 Years

The City of Broken Arrow is pleased to announce the selection of two new directors that will take over responsibilities of the City’s solid waste and maintenance services operations, respectively, which were previously managed under one department called General Services. Jerry Schuber will lead Solid Waste and Recycling, and Ryan Baze will lead Maintenance Services.

City Manager Michael Spurgeon said, “Broken Arrow is a growing community, and it is important for city operations to reflect and respond to that growth.” He added, “now that the City is providing residential curbside recycling service, the sanitation division requires an updated department model to streamline operations.”  

To improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency, last year Spurgeon recommended the restructuring of the General Services Department into two stand-alone departments. Changes were also made at that time to move logistics (purchasing) over to the Finance Department and cemetery operations to the Parks & Recreation Department, respectively. In addition, there was an overall focus on asset management needed which will be done through the new department model. 

The City Council authorized the restructuring proposal in October 2020, including amendments to the applicable city ordinances. The new Solid Waste Department manages sanitation and recycling operations, and the new Maintenance Services Department includes four divisions: Operations, Fleet Maintenance, Building Maintenance and Property Services (Assets).

General Services Director Lee Zirk is retiring April 16, after 32 years of employment with the City. Zirk started as a mechanic in the fleet division and worked his way up to the director position. He recently retired from the military in 2020 and looks forward to enjoying a full retirement this month. 

Schuber, a California native, brings vast solid waste management experience to Broken Arrow. He most recently worked for the City of Fresno for over 20 years in Solid Waste, Utilities and Planning leadership roles. Schuber also worked for Waste Management Industries for seven years. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and technology management and starts May 10.  

The City is also excited to announce the selection of Ryan Baze for the role of Maintenance Services Director. Baze is an Oklahoma native and has tremendous leadership experience in the field of facilities and fleet services. He most recently served as the Director of Facilities for Rogers County for nine years. He starts in Broken Arrow May 4.