What’s old is new again with director of operations

Carlos Reyes recently started as the Director of Operations and Development in Tillsonburg, a position he held before moving for a short time to Kitchener. He oversees engineering, public works, development, buildings/by-law, water/wastewater, and the Tillsonburg Regional Airport. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Tillsonburg Director of Operations and Development Carlos Reyes is no stranger to this position, having served in it before working in Kitchener.

He was drawn back by the town's team culture and the opportunity to provide strategic policy advice, support council and the enior leadership team in setting the town’s strategic direction to ensure the delivery of consistent, high-quality customer service, community engagement, and effective resource management.

“I had a good time here,” he said when asked about his return, citing great people and great culture.

He oversees a department of 50 full-time employees, plus some seasonal workers. Included in his responsibility are: engineering, public works, development, buildings/by-law, water/wastewater, and the Tillsonburg Regional Airport.

Amongst his accomplishments when he worked for the town starting in 2020 were: securing funding for the Tillsonburg Airport taxiway expansion, redesigning the T-GO bus system, aligning internal policies with current regulations, and executing successful road reconstruction and asphalt programs.

With the town’s plan laid out by council for the next 10 years through its asset management plan, Reyes said implementing the plan is one of his responsibilities.

“We are proactive so we have sufficient time,” he said. “There’s nothing critical, no emergencies I am aware of just following asset management.”

Reyes’ story in getting to Tillsonburg is one of contrasts. He grew up in Santa Marta, Columbia, in a disadvantaged neighbourhood where homes lacked roads and drinking water. Getting drinking water was not as simple as turning on a tap, he had to walk hundreds of meters daily to collect water from a community well.

Reyes said the challenges of this upbringing, stemming from a lack of accountable city administration, instilled in him a drive to learn and eventually pursue civil engineering and public administration. After graduating from high school and enrolling in a university civil engineering course in Columbia, he worked for a year on a road reconstruction project before setting his sights on Canada.

Once in Canada, Reyes’ dedication and work ethic shone through. He joined Aquafor Beech Limited and earned his professional engineering license. His thirst for knowledge drove him to further academic achievements, including a master’s degree in public administration and a master’s degree in engineering from Western University. In addition to these degrees, Reyes obtained a diploma in airport operations and a professional certificate in leadership.

After nine years at Aquafor Beech, Reyes sought a new challenge and joined the Municipality of Central Elgin, before working in Thames Centre, the City of Kitchener, and, most recently, the Town of Tillsonburg.