Ken Berkman, Director

Ken Berkman brings 30 years of public works and engineering experience to the table — in both the public and private sectors. Born and raised on Long Island, Ken initially did not expect to get into this line of work.

“Through high school, I always thought about going into the health profession and to become a doctor or dentist as a way to best help society,” he shares. “But then I realized I wouldn't be able to start really working until I was 30, which back then seemed so old! I ended up gravitating to civil engineering. In public works, it’s all about helping society and making the world a better place for all.”

After graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in Civil Engineering, Ken happened upon a brochure offering an entry level position with L.A. County's Public Works Department, which brought him out to the West Coast.

"After spending the first 16 years in the public arena and then the next 10 in private focusing on public works and project delivery, it led me to realize that my favorite place to work is for a city where there are a lot of things going on and I can stay busy and have a real direct positive impact."

He continues, "What I sought out I have found here in Burbank -- a modern, vibrant city with a strong respect of its history and traditions that is bustling with new development and an aggressive capital improvement program to deliver – and an outstanding group of Public Works professionals to work with to tackle anything that comes our way!"