McCollum to retire, Hart to lead city’s public works

McCollum to retire, Hart to lead city’s public works

Posted

RIDGELAND — City officials announced Monday the appointment of Alan Hart, the current community development director, to the head of the city’s Public Works Department effective Oct. 1.

Mayor Gene McGee said he knew Hart was the obvious choice to lead public works when Mike McCollum announced his plans to retire earlier this. 

“Alan’s leadership, talent, positive attitude, vision and undeniable devotion to the City and its citizens is why the board and I made the decision to combine two major departments and appoint Alan to lead both,” McGee said.

Currently, director of community development, Hart’s position will encompass the directorships of both public works and its newly acquired community development subdivision. 

The decision to assign Hart this dual role, commencing Oct. 1, was unanimously approved by the mayor and board of aldermen and materialized after the retirement announcement of long-time public works director McCollum. 

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the mayor and board for entrusting me to undertake one of our city’s most important roles,” Hart said. “I’m humbled they have this level of faith in me, and I’m ecstatic to lead the city’s best employees as we continue to frame Ridgeland as the best city in the State of Mississippi. Secondly, I am entirely grateful to Mike McCollum for his 27 years of service to the City of Ridgeland and his leadership as public works director. I am appreciative of the structured department he has built.”

McCollum said he has full confidence in his successor and thinks the department will only continue to grow and offer the best service possible.

“Alan Hart is a smart, competent and hard-working person and I know he has the confidence of the mayor and myself,” McCollum said. “I think Ridgeland and the Public Works Department have the best days ahead with him at the helm.” 

Hart said he looks forward to encouraging a more service-oriented department and continuing to provide citizens with the best place to live. In addition, he plans to work with McCollum and supervisors and build positive working relationships with all employees in public works to allow for the smoothest transition possible. 

Hired in 2005, Hart’s goal at the time was to make every effort to continue to help posture Ridgeland for a brighter future and maintain the economic vitality and small-town heritage, city officials said. While serving as the director of community development, Hart and his team have managed over $1 billion in permitted construction for the City of Ridgeland.

His involvement in various projects in the last 16 years includes the 2008 Ridgeland Area Master Plan, the Butler Snow building, the Township, Renaissance, the Northpark renovation, Costco and the Ridgeland City Hall building. 

“I have been blessed with a supportive mayor and board, and these finished projects would never have been a reality without their vision to incorporate a strong economic development plan for the city,” Hart said. 

Alderman-at-Large D.I. Smith said Hart has most recently shown his commitment to the city in being an instrumental part of the city’s fight against a second proposed landfill west of town. 

“Alan Hart is the one we turn to when the chips are down and there are near-insurmountable challenges, such as fighting the big out-of-state landfill company who didn’t care what impact it had on our health, welfare and safety,” Smith said. “He has a spontaneous, contagious enthusiasm that motivates everyone to achieve their best. I’m so proud he has been chosen for this role. He – and the City of Ridgeland – will excel.” 

McCollum will retire at the end of the month. He addressed the city board at Tuesday’s regularly held meeting. McCollum thanked the mayor and board of aldermen and said he would be more than happy to help with Hart’s transition into the position.

“If you need me, call me,” McCollum said.

During McCollum’s tenure, he has overseen a number of large projects including the White Oak Creek Sewer, several water wells, Lake Harbour Widening, County Line Road improvements and its extension. McCollum said he also took advantage of grant funding when available, bringing more than $100 million in grant money in for city projects.

The Veteran’s Garden at the brand new city hall was a project overseen by McCollum during the construction of the new city hall building. Hart served on the board for the monument with McCollum where their primary function was to sell sponsorships for the park in the form of memorial bricks.

McCollum started with the city in June 1994. He said it has been a great place live and work.

“Ridgeland is a great place to work and raise a family,” McCollum said. “I appreciated the leadership and tenure of Mayor McGee his vision and stability are key to all of Ridgeland's successes. The Mayor and Board supported my 31-year military career in the Army Reserve and is the best place in the world to work.”

McCollum said his retirement schedule is filling up. He hopes to spend time with his grandchildren, travel and hunt and fish. He also hopes to dedicate some time to his music.

“Also maybe do a little bagpiping on the way,” McCollum said.






Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions