February 25, 2009
CONTACT:Mark S. Cox, APR
Director of Public Communications
(757)382-6241 (WK)
or Lizz Gunnufsen
Public Communications Coordinator
(757) 382-6241 (WK)
City Manager William Harrell announced this week the appointment of Eric J. Martin, P.E. as the new Director of the Chesapeake Public Works Department, effective February 23. Martin has served as the Interim Director since July 2008 following the departure of Patricia Biegler.
Mr. Martin will be tasked with overseeing a variety of public works services, managing the department's budget, supervising the administration of each Public Works division, overseeing construction contracts, and promoting the integration of advanced technology into the department's operational activities. Public Works employs over 480 employees in ten divisions and has an annual operating budget of over $52 million. His salary will be $112,000 per year.
Mr. Martin has held the position of city engineer since 2000 and previously served as Assistant City Engineer for Chesapeake. Prior to joining Chesapeake, Mr. Martin was the assistant city engineer of Hampton, Virginia, for more than eight years. Mr. Martin also gained extensive engineering and construction experience as a member of the US Air Force from 1983 to 1990. He continues to serve active duty in the Air Force Reserve and is currently assigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base.
He obtained a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Washington State University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University in 1990. His professional affiliations include registered professional engineer in Virginia, America Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Public Works Association.
