Franklin County announced the appointment of a new leader for its Solid Waste Department, Spencer Pernell is set to take the reins as the Solid Waste Director starting today, stepping into the role left vacant by Lee Bodenhamer's retirement. Pernell brings a diverse background to the table, with experience that spans multiple areas from facility management to driving operations.
"I'm excited to join Franklin County and continue the progress that Lee has been working on," Pernell said in a statement obtained by the Franklin County website. His tenure with Green For Life (GFL) Environmental since 2013 equipped Pernell with various roles including Facility Manager, Operation Supervisor, and Lead Driver. Beyond GFL, he has accumulated experience at Harris Incorporated, service with the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, and helmed his own Pernell Tree Service for over a decade.
His predecessor, Bodenhamer, has been at the helm of the Solid Waste Department since 2019. The county expresses its satisfaction with the work Bodenhamer carried out and is set to enter a new chapter with Pernell at the lead. "Spencer brings a lot of experience in solid waste management, and we look forward to him coming on board," Interim County Manager Ryan Preble noted in an announcement by the Franklin County. Bodenhamer's official retirement is scheduled for May 30, 2025, providing a brief period for overlap and transition between the directors.
Pernell's past roles have seen him navigate the complex intersections of waste management, operations, and public safety. His hands-on history with both the private sector and government positions promises a comprehensive perspective to Franklin County's waste management strategies. With an official start date coinciding with his announcement, Pernell faces the task of steering Franklin County's waste management into a future of efficiency and sustainability.
