Public Works Staff

Craig Messinger
Interim Director of Public Works

I have been employed by the City of Allentown for more
than 24 years with the majority of service with the Streets Department. I currently have 13 years of experience in a management position as Fleet Manager with 6 of those years also as Streets Superintendent.

In May of 2012 I became the Deputy Director of Public Works with the mindset on improving operations throughout Public Works. I now have direction over 6 departments including: Streets, Stormwater, Solid Waste & Recycling, Traffic, Building Maintenance and the Municipal Garage.

My goal is to make this into one cohesive team and make us think as one while improving all aspects and service for the citizens of Allentown.

Mark Shahda
Streets Superintendent

I started my employment with the City of Allentown 15 years ago as a Maintenance Worker and worked my way to Chief Maintenance Supervisor for the Streets Department.

In May of 2012 I became Streets Superintendent with the intention of providing the citizens of Allentown with effective and efficient services regarding street paving, snow plowing, leaf clean up, and street cleaning.

Nelson Varughese
Traffic Control Superintendent

I am with the City of Allentown as a Traffic Control Superintendent since June 2013. My previous experiences include both public and private sectors.  Prior to joining the City, I held the position of Traffic Control Specialist at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) for 13 years, and was a senior project Engineer/Manager in an engineering Consulting firm, also for 13 years.

As a citizen of this great nation and a Traffic Control Superintendent for this celebrated City my goal is to provide Safety for citizens and visitors driving, bicycling, or walking the City streets.  It is a great privilege and honor to be a part of the City’s Public Works Team and the City of Allentown.

Ann Saurman
Manager to Bureau of Recycling & Solid Waste

I began working for the City of Allentown in 1988 in the Bureau of Health and in 1992 I joined the Recycling Program as the Education and Enforcement Manager for the Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste. I managed and coordinated all of the Bureau's public education and enforcement efforts. In 2005, SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program) was created and I developed and managed the program. The program focuses on the compliance of the Solid Waste Ordinance, Residential and Commercial Recycling Ordinance and the Neighborhood Improvement Ordinance.

In 2006 I was promoted to Bureau Manager overseeing 20 employees, administering the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund and all bureau functions and programs. Bureau programs include curbside residential trash and recycling collection and disposal; commercial recycling; a recycling drop off center; the hauling of recyclable materials to market; yard waste drop off, grinding and screening operations; the SWEEP program, graffiti abatement, public space recycling and litter collections from public receptacles; collection of trash and recycling from city facilities, young and adult education programs, illegal dumpsite cleanups, Keep Allentown Beautiful and animal control.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Pennsylvania State University, 1983.