Louis Hazen Sworn in as Director of Central Services

Louis Hazen Sworn in as Director of Central Services

The City of Mishawaka officially welcomed Louis Hazen as its new Director of Central Services during a swearing-in ceremony held on March 24, 2026, at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

Hazen, a Mishawaka native and 2002 graduate of Mishawaka High School, returns to the City with more than 25 years of public service and operational leadership experience. He began his career with the City in 2000 and served as Grounds Manager from 2014 to 2025, where he oversaw municipal grounds operations, staff leadership, and departmental safety. Most recently, Hazen worked as a Specialized Equipment Manager at the University of Notre Dame. He also earned his Certified Public Manager (CPM) certification through the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University.

The ceremony was well attended, with Hazen’s parents, immediate family, and several members of the Central Services team present—reflecting both his deep roots in the community and the strong support behind his leadership.

Mayor Dave Wood praised Hazen’s experience and commitment to Mishawaka, stating: “Louis brings a tremendous combination of hands-on experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of how our city operates. He knows this community, he knows our people, and he understands the importance of delivering reliable, high-quality services every day. We are proud to welcome him back to lead Central Services.”

Hazen expressed both gratitude and enthusiasm “It’s an honor to come back to the City of Mishawaka and serve in this capacity. I’ve already begun meeting with the team, assessing operations, and focusing on how we can continue to deliver dependable, efficient services to our residents. I’m proud to be leading such a dedicated group of professionals who take great pride in their work.”

As Director of Central Services, Hazen will oversee critical functions that support daily City operations, including streets, fleet, and public infrastructure services. His leadership comes at a time when the department plays an increasingly important role in maintaining the City’s reliability and responsiveness, especially during severe weather and high-demand service periods.

With a strong foundation of experience and a clear focus on service, Hazen is well-positioned to lead Central Services forward—continuing to support the City of Mishawaka with professionalism, efficiency, and pride.