On June 30, the City Council approved Mayor Karen Bass’ recommendation of new leaders atop Public Works’ Bureau of Engineering, and Sanitation and Environment.
They are Crystal Lee, longtime City employee for more than 17 years, and Joone Kim-Lopez, who is new to City employment.
Crystal LeeCity Engineer, Bureau of Engineering
Crystal Lee has spent 17 years working her way up through the City she now helps run — and this summer, Mayor Bass named her the City’s first female City Engineer.
“I am deeply honored to accept the Mayor’s appointment as City Engineer,” Crystal Lee said in a statement. “I look forward to strengthening partnerships across the City, applying strategic leadership to advance our priorities, and empowering and elevating the exceptional teams driving this work. My focus will be on delivering coordinated, high-impact infrastructure solutions that serve our communities and support the long-term vision of the City of Los Angeles.”
Crystal Lee has worked for the City of Los Angeles for more than 17 years, leading on the delivery of major infrastructure, development services, environmental, sustainability and capital improvement programs. Before this appointment, Lee served as Deputy Executive Director of the Airport Development Group at Los Angeles World Airports, leading more than 300 City and consultant professionals to drive long-term planning for infrastructure, revenue generation, and climate resiliency at Los Angeles’ airports. Crystal Lee holds a Professional Engineer License and a Master of science degree in civil engineering, with an environmental emphasis, from Loyola Marymount University.
Mayor Bass also thanked interim City Engineer Alfred Mata. “For more than 30 years, Alfred Mata has served the people of Los Angeles, leading on key projects that have advanced Los Angeles’ climate resilience and created new pieces of infrastructure for Angelenos. I thank him for stepping in to lead the Bureau of Engineering during this important transition period.”
Joone Kim-LopezExecutive Director and General Manager, LA Sanitation and Environment
Joone Kim-Lopez, Mayor Bass’ appointee to serve as the new Executive Director and General Manager of LA Sanitation, will advance Mayor Bass’ efforts to urgently clean City streets, ensure long-term care for critical infrastructure, and protect LA’s environment through innovative solutions and partnerships, the Mayor’s Office wrote.
“I am honored to serve the great City of Los Angeles and am truly grateful to Mayor Bass for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity,” Joone Kim-Lopez said in a statement. “LA Sanitation and Environment is charged with the important work of keeping our communities safe, clean, and resilient by cleaning our streets, ensuring integrated planning for the City’s critical infrastructure, and protecting our environment. I’m looking forward to advancing partnerships and innovation to get the job done and dedicating myself, alongside the members of our bureau, to the highest level of service for all Angelenos.”
Joone Kim-Lopez was raised in Los Angeles after immigrating from South Korea. With more than 30 years of experience, Kim-Lopez previously served as the General Manager and CEO of the Moulton Niguel Water District, overseeing the delivery of water, wastewater and recycled water services to six cities in South Orange County. Throughout her career, Kim-Lopez has worked to foster relationships between local, state and federal officials, and business, community, and labor leaders to shape legislation, protect critical infrastructure, enhance environmental stewardship, and improve emergency response. Joone Kim-Lopez holds a Master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge, and is fluent in Korean and Spanish.
Mayor Bass also thanked interim Executive Director and General Manager Traci Minamide. “Traci has served Angelenos for nearly 40 years and represents the dedication that keeps Los Angeles moving forward. I want to thank her for her skilled leadership and stewardship of LASAN during this critical period.”
The Club congratulates Crystal Lee and Joone Kim-Lopez on their new appointments.