Tim Nanson After almost 40 years of working in public service, Tim Nanson is eager to begin the next chapter of his life.

This week, the 60-year-old Thousand Oaks resident announced that May 12 would be his last day at work before he retires from his seven-year stint as the city of Simi Valley's public works director.

Current assistant director of public works Ron Fuchiwaki has been named Nanson's replacement.

"There are lots of things (city officials) want to do for the community by way of keeping roads safe, keeping utilities working and helping the City Council and city manager," Nanson said. "I've been very fortunate to have been a part of that."

During his tenure with the city, Nanson directed the engineering on several significant projects, including Simi Valley Town Center, the Big Sky residential development and the current $6.5million rehabilitation of the Tapo Canyon water treatment plant.

He said the best thing about working in the city of Simi Valley is that his job allowed him the freedom to interface with many other departments.

Ron Fuchiwaki "In a larger city you might get to see the engineering and technical aspects of your job only," Nanson said. "While that is very, very interesting, I feel more compelled working in an environment where you have this wonderful immersion in the entire community."

City Manager Mike Sedell said Nanson will definitely be missed.

"He's been very conscientious in trying to make sure that all the public works projects here- (from) the streets and roads program to water and sewer- were maintained and delivered to the public in a costeffective manner," Sedell said. "He's certainly done a good job in the city, and we appreciate all the work he's done."

Before coming to Simi Valley, Nanson worked with the city of Los Angeles, the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, the city of Laguna Beach, the city of Oxnard and San Luis Obispo County. He and his wife, Elsa, also spent two years in Kenya with the Peace Corps.

Upon retirement, Nanson said, he plans to catch up with all the things he's been "putting off for years" and to spend more time with close friends and family- Elsa; his children, Tim Jr., Tina and Patrick; and grandchildren, Devin and Tim.

At the city, Sedell has appointed Ron Fuchiwaki, who's been assistant director of public works for the last five years, as Nanson's replacement.

"Obviously it's very exciting," Fuchiwaki said. "I'm looking forward to the challenges of being director of the department."

Fuchiwaki has been with the city of Simi Valley for seven years.

Before becoming assistant director of public works, he was a deputy director/traffic engineer.