Lee Norris leaves Chattanooga for county post

Lee Norris
Lee Norris

Just-retired Chattanooga Public Works Administrator Lee Norris is jumping right into his next career: director of General Services for Hamilton County government.

Hamilton County commissioners are set to vote Wednesday to hire Norris. He will replace Don Allen, who retired last month after 38 years in county government.

County Mayor Jim Coppinger said he anticipates a smooth transition. Norris was the city's deputy public works director for a decade before he moved to the top spot when Mayor Andy Berke took office. The city and county staffs have frequent interactions, Coppinger said.

"They've known each other, they've worked together; he's going to be received well," Coppinger said.

Norris, whose official last day was Thursday, was out of town and couldn't be reached for comment.

In a news release announcing his retirement, Norris said, "It has been a pleasure to serve this city. I will always be grateful for the role I was able to play in supporting the growth of Chattanooga."

Norris oversaw deployment of the citywide curbside recycle initiative and worked on complicated projects including the reconstruction of the 21st Century Waterfront and bringing Chattanooga into compliance with EPA-mandated consent decree on water pollution, the release stated.

Berke called Norris "a true public servant" in the release, which also said a new public works administrator is expected to be named by Feb. 19.

The General Services Division comprises the corrections, maintenance and parks and recreation departments as well as the emergency and ambulance services and Homeland Security.

Coppinger said Norris approached him about the job as Allen was winding up his career.

"Obviously, we were excited he was interested in that position because of the different talents he can bring to the county," he said.

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