On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, during the City Council meeting, Director of City Services Peter Nourse honored outgoing Deputy Director Lisa Clark following the announcement of her retirement.

According to Nourse, Clark has been a positive force in Rochester for more than 25 years, stating, “She is the consummate example of an employee who rose from a junior to a senior position entirely on merit, from Inventory Clerk to Deputy Director of Public Works. Her dedication, intelligence, and people skills enabled her to become the go-to person for DPW and all departments in a vast number of City functions.”

Nourse said that Clark was that “indispensable central cog in our organization that supported and perpetuated the DPW machine at high efficiency.”

“She was the hub that balanced and coordinated thousands of activities across the City,” said Nourse. “It is a role that only the most astute, tireless, and dedicated employee—someone who loves what they do and who they serve—can perform well.”

Over the years, Clark played a significant role in the department’s progress, contributing to improvements in infrastructure, safety, and environmental stewardship. Her technical expertise, financial and managerial capabilities, leadership, and commitment to the City have been widely recognized within the organization.

“It is very difficult for all of us to see her go,” Nourse concluded. “Lisa is truly important to us. And if Lisa had an official fan club, I’d have to fight others to be its president.”

Lisa plans to enjoy more time with her family and will continue residing in Rochester with her husband, John.

At the end of the presentation, she was presented with 25 roses, each representing a year of service to the City of Rochester.

Click here to watch the presentation. (Start at 32.30 minutes)