Atlanta's leadership in the realm of water management takes a significant stride, with Mayor Andre Dickens selecting James "Gregory" Eyerly as the new head of the Department of Watershed Management. Bringing a wealth of public service experience, particularly from his recent tenure as the Director of Houston's Water Division, Eyerly steps into his new role on April 1, according to an announcement by the Atlanta government's news release. He succeeds Al Wiggins, Jr., who moves up the ranks to serve as Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer, focusing on the city's infrastructure and beautification in preparation for major global sports events.
Eyerly's appointment comes on the back of a 30-year career that began at the very ground level of utility operation. "Having started as an entry-level front-line utility operator over 30 years ago, to being the Director of Houston Water, the largest city managed water & wastewater utility in US, I am excited to return to Georgia and move to Atlanta and bring a wide range of experiences and successes to be a part of Mayor Dickens team," Eyerly told the Atlanta government's news release. His comprehensive background includes large-scale capital project oversight, operational management, and regulatory compliance, much of which was scrutinized and approved by federal and state agencies during his helm in Houston.
Mayor Dickens expressed confidence in Eyerly's capabilities, emphasizing Atlanta's need for "visionary and experienced leadership to transform our systems" and ensuring "a sustainable and reliable future for Atlanta." The outgoing Commissioner, Wiggins, received commendation from Dickens for his dedication and is expected to helm coordination efforts for various infrastructure projects related to the Club World Cup and World Cup, alongside his advisory role, as detailed by the Atlanta government's website.
Eyerly's track record in Houston is notably impressive, with him directing a department with a hefty annual budget and overseeing major compliance initiatives and capital projects. His leadership there encompassed the responsibility of a vast water supply and treatment network that serviced millions across multiple counties. In Atlanta, Eyerly will be bringing this experience to bear on the city's existing and future water management challenges. Furthermore, his industry involvement is robust with roles in organizations such as the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and Water Environment Federation, indicating a breadth of professional engagement that extends beyond his immediate service posts.
