This news update is brought to you by the City of Long Beach. To find out more about City programs, projects, initiatives and services, please visit longbeach.gov. To find events near you, please visit the City calendar at www.longbeach.gov/events. And follow us on social media @longbeachcity.
Long Beach Appoints New Directors for Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Marine
By Staff Writer
Published on Wed, Dec 3, 2025
The City of Long Beach has appointed two longtime City employees to lead key departments: Joshua Hickman as Director of Public Works and Stephen Scott as Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM). Following an extensive national search, both stood out for their expertise, proven leadership and decades of service to the Long Beach community. Mr. Hickman has served the City since 2017, and Mr. Scott since 1999.
As the new Director of Public Works, Mr. Hickman will oversee an annual operating and capital budget of approximately $450 million and lead a department of more than 500 staff dedicated to maintaining and improving the City’s streets, sidewalks, public trees and municipal facilities.
He will also play a central role in advancing the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, the largest infrastructure program in Long Beach history. With more than 180 projects and $1.1 billion in funding, the plan will enhance parks, transportation corridors, water quality, climate resilience and cultural assets—including major upgrades that will prepare the City to host events for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With nearly 20 years of experience managing complex capital projects— including a $50 million expansion at Boston Logan International Airport—Mr. Hickman brings a strong background in operational efficiency and organizational leadership. Since joining the City in 2017, he has served in multiple roles, from Capital Projects Coordinator to Deputy Director and led sustainability and service delivery improvements such as the launch of the City’s residential organics program.
He holds a Master of Science in Green Building from the San Francisco Institute of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the Wentworth Institute of Technology.
As Director of PRM, Mr. Scott will lead one of the City’s most unique departments, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $90 million and more than 1,300 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees. His responsibilities span 166 parks, 26 community centers, two historic sites, major tennis centers, five municipal golf courses, the Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau, the nation’s largest municipally operated marina system and over six miles of beaches. He will also guide thousands of recreation programs and classes each year that support residents of all ages.
Mr. Scott will also play a key role in delivering major Elevate ’28 initiatives, including the Gold Medal Park Refresh, El Dorado Park Universal Playground, Drake Chavez Connection Project, Willow Springs Park Restoration and Hamilton Loop Greenbelt.
With over 27 years with the City, Mr. Scott has held leadership roles across multiple departments, contributing to initiatives like the Compassion Saves model for Animal Care Services, the Park Ambassador Program, an updated Master Joint Use Agreement with LBUSD and numerous park development projects.
He holds a Master of Arts in Public Affairs and Public Management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor.
More information about PRM is available at LBParks.org. More about Public Works can be found at longbeach.gov/pw.
