Current Position and Role
Denise Koch serves as the Director of Engineering and Public Works for the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), a position she assumed effective September 2023. Prior to this appointment, she was the Deputy Director of Engineering and Public Works at CBJ since May 2021. In her capacity as Director, Koch oversees a broad portfolio that includes the management and strategic direction of all engineering and public works functions for Juneau.
Her responsibilities encompass supervision of CBJ’s critical utility operations, including the Utility, Capital Transit, and waste management programs. Under her leadership, CBJ’s utility staff manages infrastructure critical to delivering high-quality drinking water and wastewater treatment to the community. She also coordinates environmental and sustainability projects, manages the Public Works and Facilities Committee engagements, and directs capital improvement projects, underscoring her role in Juneau’s infrastructure development and environmental stewardship.
Professional Background and Expertise
Denise Koch holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Washington School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia. Her academic and professional trajectory is strongly rooted in environmental health and public service, with a focus on addressing Alaska’s challenging environmental health issues.
Before her current CBJ roles, Koch worked extensively on air quality and pollution control initiatives, including regulating wastewater emissions from cruise ships—a significant environmental concern in Alaska. Koch has been recognized for implementing the nation’s first robust initiatives addressing contentious environmental health problems in Alaska and has a proven record of solving complex engineering and public process challenges.
Leadership and Governance
As Director, Denise Koch maintains fiscal control over significant departmental budgets, supervises and mentors division managers, and plays an active role in the emergency operations structure, having served in CBJ’s Emergency Operations Center, including during the COVID-19 pandemic response. She cultivates strong internal and external partnerships necessary for operational success and public trust in engineering and infrastructure projects.
Her appointment reflects confidence in her ability to manage large-scale public infrastructure projects and navigate regulatory, environmental, and community concerns with technical expertise and public process experience.
External Representation and Advisory Roles
Denise Koch represents the City and Borough of Juneau as a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee (EPA LGAC), appointed in early 2023. This national advisory role situates her at the intersection of local government and federal environmental policy, providing insight into evolving regulatory frameworks and funding opportunities beneficial to Juneau’s public works and environmental programs.
Operational Scope and Departmental Structure
Under Koch’s leadership, the Engineering and Public Works Department executes multiple crucial functions:
- Delivery of fresh, high-quality drinking water and wastewater treatment.
- Management of waste programs and capital transit systems.
- Oversight of infrastructure projects such as transit stations, public restrooms, bus shelters, and parking facilities integrated into Juneau’s transportation and community planning.
- Implementation of sustainability initiatives and environmental projects aligned with CBJ’s climate and environmental goals.
- Management and development of the Six-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a key component of the city's infrastructure planning and budgeting.
She works closely with key staff, including the Deputy Director of Engineering and Public Works, Nate Rumsey, project managers, and division superintendents, facilitating a coordinated approach for Juneau’s infrastructure and public service delivery.
Contact Information
- Email: denise.koch@juneau.gov
- Phone: (907) 586-0800, Option #2
Summary of Relevant Insights
Denise Koch’s profile demonstrates a combination of technical engineering acumen, public health expertise, and extensive experience in managing complex public utilities and infrastructure programs within a challenging environmental context. Her leadership in the CBJ Engineering and Public Works Department, combined with her advisory role at the EPA, positions her as a key decision-maker with a comprehensive view of both local operational needs and federal environmental policy trends. This dual capacity enhances her ability to secure resources, navigate regulatory environments, and foster collaborative public and governmental relationships necessary for infrastructure development and environmental management in Juneau.
Her background in environmental science and public health aligns with CBJ’s priorities on environmental sustainability, utility management, and community health, making her a central figure in shaping Juneau’s infrastructural future. Understanding her multifaceted responsibilities and network will be critical for engagement on any initiatives impacting public works, utilities, environmental compliance, and infrastructure investments.
