Stonington - The town has hired a Pawcatuck woman as its new public works director.

Barbara McKrell replaces Joe Bragaw, who left in November to head the East Lyme Public Works Department. McKrell, who will be paid $90,000 a year, was selected from a field of 17 candidates. She is slated to begin work on Feb. 24.

According to her resume, McKrell has 18 years of experience as a engineering manager and earned her bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado. Her last position was as the manager of engineering and construction for the Port of San Diego, Calif., where she managed a $20 million budget from 2004 to 2007. She has also held civil engineering positions in other California municipalities.

Director of Administrative Services Vincent Pacileo said a panel interviewed candidates and then rated their responses. The top two candidates were then asked to present a five-year public works plan to Pacileo and First Selectman Ed Haberek. Pacileo said the combination of results from the two-step process led to the selection of McKrell.