From Staff Reports

PELHAM – The city of Pelham is pleased to announce the hiring of David Willingham as the Director of Development Services and Public Works. He began the job on Tuesday, June 12.

Willingham previously served as the Vice President of Transportation Services with Barge Design Solutions. In his senior management role, he was responsible for the firm’s Alabama surface transportation business unit and participated in regional transportation issue management as well as provided technical assistance to outside agencies and municipal and county governments.

“Pelham is thrilled to have someone of David’s caliber to lead this newly created department that combines many of the functions previously disjointed in Pelham,” Pelham City Manager Gretchen DiFante said. “Our goal is that Pelham becomes the easiest and most enjoyable city in the region in which to conduct business and the most responsive to its residents. Having David on our team with his knowledge, experience, heart for servant leadership and reputation propels us swiftly towards our goals.”

In his capacity as Director, David will be responsible for the divisions of water and sewer; streets, landscape and maintenance; engineering and mapping; and building and inspection services. He will also help the City Manager integrate the strategic planning of the city’s infrastructure to foster economic development and land-use to help the city prepare for the next 20 years of development. This includes creating a robust capital improvement plan to shape the maintenance, growth and revitalization of the Pelham community.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to join the Pelham team and be a part of some of the most energizing growth and change taking place in the area,” Willingham said.

“I look forward to working with city leaders and staff to help Pelham reach its untapped potential,” Willingham added.

Willingham earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Alabama, is a licensed professional engineer, a certified project management professional as well as a member of ASCE and the Project Management Institute (PMI). His local projects include project management for John Findley Drive Improvements at Oak Mountain State Park, Intersection and Safety Improvements on State Park Road and Mainstreet (SR-119) Streetscape in Montevallo.

He and his wife, Tonya, live in Chelsea with their two children.