Bainbridge Island has hired an interim public works director to take over in the absence of Lance Newkirk.

John Cunningham stepped into the interim position on June 3. He boasts more than 35 years experience and is a registered professional civil engineer.

Cunningham was recently the public works director for the city of Sammamish from 2006 through 2010. Since his retirement from Sammamish in east King County, he has served in interim positions on a contract basis for cities such as Olympia and DuPont.