ST. LOUIS – A former St. Louis streets director will return from retirement to serve in the role on an interim basis.

Mayor Cara Spencer has appointed Jim Suelmann as the interim director of the St. Louis Street Department.

The St. Louis Director of Streets oversees city services such as filling potholes, removing snow, towing abandoned vehicles, collecting trash and recycling.

Suelmann, a St. Louis native, previously served as director of streets under four different mayors from 1985 until his retirement in 2006.

“Jim Suelmann was trusted by St. Louis mayors for 21 years to provide vital city services to our residents. With his exceptional experience and leadership returning to the Street Department, we can begin to improve how we deliver these city services right away,” said Mayor Spencer via a news release. “I am incredibly grateful to Jim for stepping up for the City in this way, giving us time to conduct a thorough search for a permanent director of streets.”

Suelmann replaces Betherny Williams, who was appointed under former mayor Tishaura Jones. Williams has resigned and officially stepped down from the role on Wednesday.

Suelmann also has experience as an electrical engineer and a director for the Department of Public Utilities in 1978. He became the director of the city’s Street Department in 1985 and retired in 2006.

During Suelmann’s prior tenure as streets director, according to Mayor Spencer’s Office, the Street Department expanded its paving program, changed the snow removal policy from just salting to a combination of salting, brining, and plowing, and improved refuse processing.