LEWISTON — David Hediger will step up from deputy director of Planning and Code Enforcement to director June 1.

He will succeed Gil Arsenault who is retiring after more than three decades with the city. 

Hediger has been a city employee for nearly 20 years.

According to a city news release Friday, Hediger was selected by City Administrator Ed Barrett because of his knowledge of the city and level of respect from city staff and community members. 

Barrett said Hediger is respected for “his dedication, hard work and treating all those with whom he comes into professional contact fairly. His promotion will ensure a seamless transition in the department’s leadership.”

Hediger has been deputy director since 2002.

City Councilor Jim Lysen, who served on the hiring panel along with Deputy Administrator Denis D’Auteuil and resident Craig Saddlemire, said, “Dave is a great choice and was unanimously recommended by the hiring panel.”

Lysen said that in recent years, Hediger has been responsible for coordinating the development of the Riverfront Island Master Plan and the recently adopted Legacy Lewiston comprehensive plan, which has won multiple planning awards.

“I am pleased he will now be leading our efforts to implement these plans,” Lysen said. “I look forward to discussing with the council the resources necessary to continue and expand the department’s important work.”

Hediger said in the news release that he’s “very pleased to have been chosen for this position. Planning and Code Enforcement plays a large role in the desirability, health, safety, and welfare of a community. Credit should be given to current Director Gil Arsenault, who has been very effective in guiding this department.

“The city is fortunate to have a department with staff who are experienced and care about the community,” he said. “I’m proud to be able to continue serving the citizens of Lewiston and look forward to maintaining and improving upon the high level of service our residents expect from the city.”

Prior to his promotion to deputy director, Hediger served as the city’s land use inspection officer. He holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern Maine and a Bachelor of Arts degree Geography/Environmental Planning and Policy from the University of Maine in Farmington.

Hediger is also a certified Maine code enforcement officer and is certified in erosion control practices by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

City Planner David Hediger, right, conducts a tour of Lewiston while developing the Riverfront Island Master Plan in 2011. Hediger will become Lewiston’s director of Planning and Code Enforcement in June. (Sun Journal file photo)