Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson is pleased to announce the appointment of Shira McWaters as Public Works Director. Ms. McWaters will replace former Director Gary Cinder, who retired in September 2015.

Ms. McWaters will administer all Public Works activities for the City. The Public Works Department, with approximately 100 full-time employees, is responsible for the maintenance of City streets, all City-owned buildings, stormwater management, water treatment, distribution, and wastewater collections systems; for maintenance, service and repair of all City automotive vehicles, heavy equipment and stationary equipment. The Department also prepares and administers the Solid Waste Collection contract and provides staff representation to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board.

“I was truly pleased and challenged by the depth of experience seen with the candidates for Public Works Director,” said Mr. Watson. “However, Shira McWaters demonstrated a maturity and knowledge level that is exceptional. She was recognized by each of our City personnel as someone who can take our department to the next level. Her background in the private sector will be helpful in addressing the many diverse elements of the Oak Ridge Public Works operations. We are glad to welcome her to the team!”

“My family and I are very excited to make Oak Ridge our new home,” said Ms. McWaters. “I believe my knowledge, skills and ability will complement those of existing staff. I look forward to working together with all of you in achieving the goals and objectives for sustainability and success in our future. I appreciate the opportunity the City has provided me in this exciting new position and look forward to work for the betterment of the community.”

Ms. McWaters is a Professional Engineer with more than 22 years private sector engineering experience in the water and wastewater industry, with expertise in leadership, management, evaluation, design and construction. She is presently employed with the firm Tata & Howard in Flagstaff, AZ. She holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and professional engineering licenses in the states of Massachusetts and Arizona. Her salary is $105,000.

For more information about the City of Oak Ridge, please visit the website at www.oakridgetn.gov.

Media contact: Nick Sisco at (865) 425-3546 or nsisco@oakridgetn.gov