City of Huntsville approves new department heads + key staff members

The City of Huntsville approved five new personnel appointments, including department heads and other key staff members, at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 8.

The appointments are part of a reorganization plan proposed by Mayor Tommy Battle (a plan that was approved by the City Council at the Sept. 24 meeting).

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City Council approves 5 new department appointments

The appointments approved by City Council include:

Senior Director of Engineering – Kathy Martin: Responsibilities include leading and integrating the efforts of several departments engaged in planning, designing, constructing and maintaining the city’s transportation, drainage, and sewer infrastructure.  She will provide executive-level oversight to the City Engineering, Water Pollution Control and Traffic Engineering departments.

Director of Economic & Urban Development – Jim McGuffey: Responsibilities include leading and integrating the efforts of several departments engaged in planning, urban-area development, job creation and general growth of the economy.  He will provide executive-level oversight to the Planning, Inspection, Natural Resources and Community Development departments.

City Engineer – John Lang: Responsibilities include department head for the City Engineering Department, which plans, directs and coordinates the design and construction of all transportation and stormwater management related infrastructure in the city.

External Affairs & Industrial Recruitment Officer – Zach McGovern: Responsibilities include assisting the Mayor in development and management of partnerships with state, local and federal external organizations seeking collaboration with the city.  Additionally, his position will assume responsibilities for assisting in recruitment of industrial and other economic development opportunities, working closely with the Director of Economic and Urban Development and the Chamber of Commerce.

Director of Community Development – Scott Erwin: Responsibilities include department head for the Community Development Department, which provides services either directly or through partner organizations addressing housing affordability, homelessness, code compliance and other social services for citizens in need.

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