ROCKINGHAM — City Manager Monty Crump on Thursday announced the hiring of a new public works director.
Lee Parris, of Rockingham, will begin the job Dec. 7, replacing longtime city employee and current Public Works Director Richard Haugen, according to Crump.
Haugen will be retiring in February 2021 after more than 40 years of “loyal and dedicated service” to the city, Crump said.
“Lee has a strong background and experience in all areas of public works including civil projects, utility construction, heavy equipment engineering and civil design/computer experience,” Crump said in an email.
He added that Parris is retired from the National Guard with 20 years of experience as a combat engineer.
“The city is very fortunate to be able to hire someone with Lee’s qualification and experience to assume one of the most important positions in city government with the responsibility of overseeing and managing daily operations of water, sewer, streets, building and grounds, vehicle maintenance, sanitation, civil construction, storm preparation/response etc,” Crump said.
