Brooklyn Park City Names New Public Works Director As Predecessor Faces Criminal Indictment

Brooklyn Park City Names New Public Works Director As Predecessor Faces Criminal Indictment

Brooklyn Park — The City of Brooklyn Park has appointed Marc Culver as its new Director of Operations and Maintenance, a role commonly known as Public Works Director. Culver, who officially begins August 12, 2025, steps into the position after serving as the city engineer since July 2024.

Culver brings more than 20 years of public-sector experience to the post. Before joining Brooklyn Park, he served as Roseville’s public works director from 2015 to 2022 and has held leadership roles in city engineering throughout his career. He was recently appointed to the Metropolitan Area Water Supply Policy Advisory Committee, further underscoring his regional expertise in infrastructure and resource management.

“Marc’s extensive experience and proven leadership will help guide Brooklyn Park through important infrastructure projects and long-term planning,” city officials said in a statement announcing his appointment.

Transition Follows Indictment of Former Director

Former public works director, Dan Ruiz

Culver succeeds Daniel (Dan) Ruiz, who resigned following a felony indictment in Georgia tied to an alleged sexual assault last fall.

A Fulton County grand jury indicted Ruiz in April 2025 on charges of rape, aggravated sodomy, false imprisonment, and misdemeanor battery. The alleged incident occurred September 8, 2024, at the Club Wyndham Atlanta hotel while Ruiz was attending the American Public Works Association’s PWX conference with another Brooklyn Park official.

Ruiz was arrested by Atlanta police that same day and released on $80,000 bond on September 17. His arraignment was scheduled for June 3, 2025. Through an attorney, he has denied the allegations. (All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.)

According to city records, Ruiz had been on family medical leave following his September arrest before being placed on paid administrative leave. He formally submitted his resignation in May, effective June 27, 2025, and remained on the payroll until that date in line with the city’s personnel handbook, which requires directors to give 30 days’ notice when resigning in good standing.

Receipts later obtained by KSTP showed the city spent $7,914.09 to send Ruiz and a colleague to the conference, including $3,275.22 attributed to Ruiz’s travel, registration, and lodging.

Looking Ahead

With Culver stepping in, city leaders expressed confidence in restoring stability within the department. Ruiz had worked in Brooklyn Park since 2002 and was promoted to public works director in 2014, overseeing the city’s infrastructure and maintenance operations for more than a decade before his resignation.

Culver’s appointment, city officials said, ensures continuity and positions Brooklyn Park to “move forward with experienced leadership focused on public service, transparency, and accountability.”

MinneapoliMedia