Scott Mattice steps into new role as Pitkin County Public Works director

For Scott Mattice, the Roaring Fork Valley is “the best office in the world.” 

And Mattice has probably seen more stretches of it than most people, having spent more than a decade working various roles in Pitkin County. He’s built bridges in the backcountry, plowed snow on Aspen Mountain and even taken care of the jail. He’s held titles like Road & Bridge supervisor/operator, Road & Bridge director and, most recently, deputy director of Public Works.

Now, as the recently appointed director of Public Works, he is stepping into his biggest role yet. In this new position, he’ll oversee the county’s Public Works operations and help guide the long-term management of infrastructure, services and resources in Pitkin County. 

“We have a great team, and so I’m very lucky to take it on,” Mattice said.

He emphasized the confidence he has in his team and said that because of them, he doesn’t feel like there are too many changes to make. 

“We really have some highly trained, skilled individuals that work for public works, so let them do their thing,” he said.

During his time in Public Works, Mattice has already been part of projects like paving Owl Creek Road, returning Thompson Creek road to dirt and, more recently, building the brand new Redstone Bridge. 

Going forward, he will oversee a department responsible for everything from road and bridge maintenance, engineering, fleet services, land management and the Solid Waste Center, taking over the department at a busy time for Pitkin County, as increasing demands put stress on the county’s infrastructure.

“We are a small town community, with big expectations,” he said. 

One issue that’s already on his radar is parking. With the county responsible for managing Brush Creek and popular trailheads on county roads, he said he hopes to address some of the valley’s growing parking pressures. 

For the people who have worked with Mattice for years, his new role comes as no surprise. 

“Scott brings years of experience, strong leadership and deep understanding of Pitkin County’s Public Works operations,” said Ryan Mahoney, Pitkin County deputy county manager, in a press release. 

Andrew Knapp, county engineer, told The Aspen Times that it’s Mattice’s “steady, even keel” that will allow him to succeed. 

For Mattice himself, success isn’t about building the shiniest or tallest new building. His inspiration has always remained constant — giving back to the community. His favorite projects are the ones that “make life easier for people,” he said.

“To feel like you have a purpose, it doesn’t come easy,” he added, “but I think it’s in your face, it’s direct when you can drive down the road and know that you had a part of that.”