Meet Bahram "BK" Keramati
I moved to Saratoga Springs in 2004 after retiring from a 30-year career as a mechanical engineer, manager, and technical leader at GE Global Research. I then became interested in public policy and public service, and began exploring how I could play a constructive role in this arena. Since then, my political activities have included two campaigns for political office (State Senate in 2004 and State Assembly in 2010), active involvement in the Democratic Party, including my current role as treasurer of Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee. I believe that my education, experience, and interests are uniquely suited for the position of Commissioner of Public Works for Saratoga Springs.
I received a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University. My career at GE involved numerous technical, leadership, and management roles related to GE’s products and manufacturing processes. I led teams of scientists and engineers in initiatives that required working closely with GE’s businesses and the broader technical community. My experience with GE also included a two-year assignment as Director of GE Global Research at Monterrey, Mexico, providing technical support to the many GE-owned manufacturing sites in that country.
Personally, I enjoy fixing things! I am always curious about how things work, and how they can work better. I understand mechanical stuff, and I am not afraid of tackling new problems. I enjoy working with people and teams and provide the support and leadership to accomplish significant results. I served as a member of the Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission in 2015-2016, and I chaired a sub-committee that produced a comprehensive report of the Commission’s work and recommendations. In this endeavor, I found that my past professional work experience was quite relevant and beneficial to the leadership and teamwork that was needed.
Last but not least, I love Saratoga Springs. It’s a wonderful city for my wife and me, and for our children and grandchildren who live here and nearby. I care about this city, and I want to do my part to make sure it offers all the things that make our city great for all who live, work, and visit here. I believe we should be more concerned about climate change, how it may affect us, and how we can work together to not only secure the future of our city, but to play a meaningful role in reducing CO 2 emissions. I am also concerned about the health of our infrastructure, including our water and sewer systems. As Public Works Commissioner, I will do my best to assure that we will have an efficient, responsive, and customer-focused DPW serving all of you.