TOPEKA (KSNT) - The City of Topeka has announced the hiring of a new Public Works Director. Starting on Dec. 9, Steve Groen will take the position. He has a background in business management from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, according to a press release from the city. Groen has 40 years of experience in the industry, working as a concrete worker in college before working a variety of utility and street construction positions. "I am thrilled to have Steve join us," Topeka City Manager Robert Perez said. "He will bring a multitude of experience to the City of Topeka and will be a great asset to our team." Groen currently works as the Highway Superintendent for the Minnehaha County Highway Department in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Groen's hiring comes after Braxton Copley was promoted to assistant city manager for the City of Topeka. Copley served as the director of Public Works and has nearly 20 years of experience working for Topeka. City staff take action after bad smells reported in the Oakland area For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.