With Josh Morse promoted to Chief Operating Officer at City Hall, the city needs a public building supervisor. And Mayor Marc Laredo has picked Deputy Commissioner Alejandro “Alex” Valcarce for the role.

On Wednesday night, the Public Facilities Committee unanimously approved Valcarce’s promotion to commissioner.

Morse said Valcarce is respected by the entire Buildings Department and the other departments at City Hall.

“He could do this job with his eyes closed,” Morse said.

Councilor Susan Albright echoed Morse’s sentiments, having worked on projects with Valcarce over the years.

“I’ve seen how you interact with the public, how you interact with staff, and it’s going to be a great experience to have you serve as the commissioner,” Albright said to Valcarce.

Valcarce has worked in the Buildings Department for 14 years and has been deputy commissioner for 11 years. He’s managed several big projects throughout Newton, as the city undergoes the biggest building construction era since the 1950s.

“It seems everybody that’s worked with you enjoys working with you, and I think that’s really important,” Council Vice President David Kalis said to him. “And your ability to listen to everybody is is a terrific skill, beyond all the technical skills you have. I think that’s really important.”

After the vote, Valcarce was much briefer than the councilors with his comments.

“Thank you for all the kind words, and we will continue to carry on in Buildings and keep our success and legacy moving along,” Valcarce said as he headed for the door.

Valcarce is the latest in a string of appointments as Mayor Laredo shapes a new administration for the next four years. The City Council recently approved funding for Chief Community Service Officer John Rice and Chief of Staff Dana Hanson.