On Thursday, Oct. 27, the city of Steamboat Springs announced it has named Yampa Valley resident Eric Friese as the new facilities manager. Friese will oversee the five-person Facilities Maintenance Division, which manages operations, maintenance, improvement, design and construction of the city’s facilities and building systems.

“We’re excited to have Eric join the team,” Deputy City Manager Tom Leeson said. “To be able to add someone like Eric with his vast array of knowledge and experience that blends facilities and operations is a coup for the city and our community.”

For the past four years, Friese has served as the director of maintenance, operations and transportation for the Hayden School District. In the role, he oversaw a variety of district functions, including acting as project manager for the BEST Grant Funded PK-12 new school. He was also a member of the school district leadership team.

Before working in Hayden, Friese worked as the Director of Operations and Facilities for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, overseeing club operations and managing multiple infrastructure improvement projects.

Friese has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Ohio University and has lived in the Yampa Valley for more than a decade. He will begin his new position in Steamboat Springs on Nov. 7.

“My family and I love the Yampa Valley and I’m looking forward to the new opportunities that this position provides,” Friese said. “The city has a fantastic facilities team and together we can move the city to the next level.”