By: Richard L. Smith
The Honorable East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green has announced the historic appointment of Elizabeth A. Collins as the city’s first female Director of the Department of Public Works.
The City Council confirmed her appointment on Monday, August 11.
Collins, a Certified Public Works Manager, brings 30 years of experience in construction project management, engineering, and public works leadership across municipal, state, and federal sectors.
She will oversee 132 employees in engineering, operations, and maintenance, managing 84 miles of roadway, eight public parks, and the East Orange Golf Course, while leading initiatives to improve infrastructure, efficiency, and sustainability.
“I am deeply honored to break barriers in my beloved City of East Orange,” Collins said.
“I hope to inspire a future where every young girl can see herself in a position of leadership.”
Her career includes roadway reconstruction, stormwater management at major airports, ADA upgrades, clean energy projects, and LEED-certified corporate construction. 
She holds engineering degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Alabama, along with a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers Business School.