By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington didn’t have to look too far to find its new water director.

Robert Yehl, who has served as assistant city engineer since 2013, has been named to the position by City Manager David Hales.

“It is my pleasure to announce Robert Yehl as the city’s next water director,” said Hales in a news release. “He has a strong background in project planning, budgeting, contract management and staff mentorship and training. He is ready to lead the Water Department, and I have every confidence in his ability.”

Yehl told WJBC he’ll have some learning to do when he takes over.

“I’ve got some general background knowledge in water, but I’ve got vast experience in other things as well,” said Yehl. “So I’m going to apply that to work with the staff that’s currently within the Water Department, which is a great staff.”

Yehl said he does not have any specific goals.

“I have no agenda, no list of improvements or priorities at this point. My approach will be to work in conjunction with them to determine how we can better the department itself,” Yehl said.

Before starting with Bloomington, Yehl was worked with Farnsworth Group as engineering manager from 2008 to 2013 and with AECOM as senior project engineer from 2001 to 2008. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and a BS in Physics from Illinois State University. Last month, Yehl was honored by the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers as Outstanding Chapter Member of the year.

Yehl will officially begin as water director Sep. 8.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].