East Hartford, CT – Mayor Michael P. Walsh has appointed Marilynn Cruz-Aponte as the East Hartford Public Works Director, following resignation of former Public Works Director John Lawlor. Ms. Cruz-Aponte is the first Latina female Public Works Director in the history of East Hartford. Prior to her new position, Ms. Cruz-Aponte has served as East Hartford’s Assistant Public Works Director for the last five years.

“Throughout her career in East Hartford, Ms. Cruz-Aponte has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication to our community, striving to enhance operations within the Public Works Department,” said Mayor Walsh. “She is a highly qualified leader to take on the role of the Public Works Director.”

Ms. Cruz-Aponte has had a successful 32-year career in the public works industry. Prior to joining the East Hartford Public Work Department in 2017 as its Assistant Director, Ms. Cruz-Aponte served as Director of Public Works for the City of Hartford and Assistant Director in New Britain’s public works agency. 

“I am honored to assist Mayor Mike in achieving his vision for the department and the Town, and I look forward to advancing equity and inclusion in Public Works while serving the needs of the community,” said Ms. Cruz-Aponte.  

In our effort to transform the East Hartford Public Works operations to better reflect the face of the East Hartford community and to utilize the talent of existing Town employees, Mayor Walsh has promoted Parks Supervisor Gary McKeone to Parks and Grounds Associate Director and Highway Services Manager Allen Tarbell to Highway Operations Associate Director.

Mr. McKeone and Mr. Tarbell bring to their new roles decades of experience in their respective fields.  Mr. McKeone has over 25 years of service in East Hartford parks maintenance, most recently being the Superintendent of Parks.  Mr. Tarbell has over 20 years of service with the Town as an engineering technician, operations engineer and Highway Services Manager.