Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced the confirmation of Clinton "Rick" Hathaway as Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW).

“As we continue to implement some of the most ambitious infrastructure improvements this city has seen in decades, it is imperative that we have leadership in place that understands investing in our infrastructure means investing in the future of this city,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Having served the residents of our city within this department previously, Mr. Hathaway is well-equipped with the level of commitment, dedication and experience necessary to build a better, cleaner, greener and brighter future for New Orleans. I am excited and hopeful that with Mr. Hathaway’s expertise, we will see bold action taken to repair our antiquated infrastructure, protect our people and strengthen the resiliency of our neighborhoods for generations to come.”

As Director, Hathaway will oversee five divisions responsible for maintaining approximately 1,547 miles of streets and 149 bridges in the City of New Orleans. This system includes 72,000 catch basins and approximately 8,200,000 linear feet of drainage lines.

"I am honored and excited to take on the role of Department of Public Works Director for the City of New Orleans," said Hathaway. "As a native of this city, with roots in the Lower Ninth Ward, and a professional background in civil engineering and construction management, I am dedicated to actively improving our public infrastructure. Embracing a hands-on approach, I am eager to collaborate with the community and our dedicated team to shape a more resilient and vibrant New Orleans for us all."

Hathaway received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of New Orleans in 1982.

Prior to his appointment and confirmation as Director of DPW, Hathway served as the Transportation Section Manager and Construction Program Manager for the national engineering consulting firm, HNTB. His responsibilities included providing direction and guidance to engineers, pre-professionals and support staff, while managing assignments, in coordination with the office’s bridge and civil works sections. This also included supervising roadway design, environmental planning, transportation planning and construction management.

As construction program manager, Hathaway actively managed the ongoing construction of the clarifier replacement and rehabilitation project at the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans’ Algiers Water Plant. This included the review of requests for information (RFIs), preparation of change orders, approval of contractor payments, managing inspections and general coordination with the contractor per the project’s plans and specs. Previously, he also managed the Department of Transportation and Development’s (DOTD) Submerged Roads Program in the metro New Orleans area, followed by the Paths to Progress program, for a combined value of $200 million.

Hathaway was previously employed by the City of New Orleans within the then-called Department of Streets from 1982 to 1994. As Assistant Chief Construction Engineer from 1982 to 1989, his responsibilities included the design and construction supervision of roadway projects for the Capital Improvement Program, as well as the preparation of the department’s annual budget. As Chief Maintenance Engineer from 1990 to 1994, his responsibilities included the supervision, scheduling and assignment of all operations of the division with more than 200 employees.

Original source can be found here.