The City of Houston recently welcomed Oluwole ‘O.J.’ McFoy as the new City Engineer, a pivotal decision that was highlighted earlier this month. McFoy, who possesses more than two decades of expertise in executive leadership, program management, and infrastructure design, has made the move from Buffalo, New York, where he left his stamp as General Manager of the Buffalo Sewer Authority since 2015.
"Infrastructure projects are a priority in my administration, and I am proud to have a strong team at Houston Public Works. With the combination of Randy Macchi's leadership and O.J.'s experience as a respected engineer, we are moving forward on critical transformational projects to enhance the quality of life for all Houstonians," said Mayor John Whitmire, in a statement obtained by Houston Public Works. McFoy's presidential role at the U.S. Water Alliance and his 17-year chairmanship on the Buffalo Water Board, adds to his well-versed repertoire in handling extensive civic projects, like negotiating a $400 million plan to combat combined sewer overflows.
According to HPW Director Randy Macchi, the nationwide search for a new city engineer focused on finding someone who could bring monumental change in line with the Mayor’s vision. "O.J. accepted that challenge and we’re excited to get to work," he mentioned, reflecting on McFoy's acceptance and the anticipatory buzz surrounding his appointment, Houston Public Works reports.
Regarding his appointment, McFoy said, "I’m excited to join the Houston Public Works leadership team to help shape the department’s future. This position will play a crucial role in improving Houston’s infrastructure and ensuring the city is resilient for generations to come," he told Houston Public Works. "I know we have a lot of work to do, and I look forward to collaborating with the community and executing Mayor Whitmire’s vision."
O.J. McFoy steps into his role with a solid educational backing, having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University. Houston Public Works, recognized by the American Public Works Association, is a sprawling organization accountable for the city’s infrastructure—including streets, drainage, water production, wastewater treatment, and regulating construction across the 671-square mile service area.
