The city of Chattanooga’s Public Works administrator, hired last year after an extensive search and vetting process, has resigned.
Ross Pitcairn’s appointment, approved by the city council in June 2023, followed “a lengthy, transparent recruitment process that involved team members from across the Department of Public Works,” according to the city’s statement announcing Pitcairn’s hire.
Pitcairn and two other finalists for the job went through two in-person interview panels and held a question and answer session, which was recorded for all department employees to watch, before a selection was made. Employees then submitted surveys with feedback on the three finalists, which was used in the final decision.
“Identifying a dedicated leader for this critical department has been a major priority,” Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly said in the statement announcing the hire.
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Pitcairn, a native of Mississippi, spent 21 years as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer with the U.S. Navy before moving from Virginia to work for the city of Chattanooga.
Jerramy “Jay” Wood, deputy administrator of wastewater systems, will fill in as interim public works administrator, the city said in a news release.
“Ross is a true public servant, and I want to thank him for his hard work and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Kelly said in announcing Pitcairn’s departure. “Jerramy was a prior finalist for this position, so I have full confidence in his ability to step in as an effective leader for Public Works, ensuring we advance our One Chattanooga goal of efficient and responsive local government.”
Contact Joan McClane at jmcclane@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6601.