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Plans to open engineering firm
After 16 years as city manager for Columbus, Donald Warschak is stepping down to pursue his calling for engineering by opening his own firm in the town.
Warschak joined city staff in December 2009 after working directly with the city as part of John D. Mercer Engineers for 18 years. Over a decade later, Warschak reflected on how Columbus has changed under the numerous infrastructure projects he led.
“The modernization in the way we do our daily activities and the improvements or changes that we’ve made to position the city of Columbus towards (being) ready for the future,” Warschak said.
Warschak named upgrading the water distribution system and implementing new mapping software as two of his most meaningful projects. Other large projects he worked on include updating city ordinances, introducing permitting and work order software, replacing numerous water lines, elevating the code enforcement department and leading recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Winter Storm Uri in 2021.
The former city manager brought a unique technical background to the city with a degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University earned in 1991. Warschak intends to go “back to his roots” roots” and open his own engineering firm in Columbus to offer services for municipalities in the area.
“I’m turning 59. Engineering’s been my life calling, so I want to go ahead and spend the last part of my life doing what I love,” Warschak said.
City Secretary Bana Schneider and Utilities Department Head Kevin Faichtinger will split the responsibilities of a city manager until the city fills the position. Mayor Lori An Gobert previously said the city intends to wait for the end of the budget planning season before seeking to fill the position. Warschak gave some parting insight into what citizens should expect of their next city manager.
“Have an open door and listen to what citizens have to say,” Warschak said. “…I’m just one person on the team. I’ve got my staff; we’ve got city council; (and) we’ve got the mayor. All of us work together as a team to do what it takes to improve the lives of the citizens of Columbus.”
