The City of Lenoir has hired Jonathan Hogan as the first Public Works Operations Manager in the new Public Services Department.
As Operations Manager, Mr. Hogan will oversee the day-to-day activities of the Public Works section of Public Services. Public Works is responsible for sanitation and solid waste collection, the Recycling Center, streets and right-of-ways, building maintenance, vehicle services, and upkeep of the City's landscaping, parks, and cemeteries. Public Works includes nearly 50 employees.
Mr. Hogan has 23 years' experience working in local government. From 1999 to 2004, he worked for the Town of Valdese as Buildings, Grounds, and Landscaping Supervisor as well as a part-time firefighter. He managed crews that maintained municipal buildings, performed general construction work, and provided landscape design and maintenance.
For the past 18 years, Mr. Hogan has worked for the City of Hickory, most recently serving as the Parks and Public Properties Manager. As manager, he supervises 50+ employees, oversees a $3.5 million budget, and maintains 21 parks, 47 buildings, and four cemeteries in Hickory. His division collaborates with other city departments on projects and planning needs and provides customer relations services involving land concerns, right-of-ways, and property issues. Parks and Public Properties is also involved in assisting with downtown events and projects such as concerts, farmers markets, parades, and holiday decorations. He and his staff help with event planning, cleanup preparations, cleaning and stocking restrooms, traffic control and electrical needs as well as post event cleanup.
Mr. Hogan earned an Associates of Applied Science - Horticulture Technology and Landscape Design from Western Piedmont Community College in 2004 and a Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University in 2012, where he also graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. He is also an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist and holds a North Carolina pesticide applicator license.
Mr. Hogan grew up in Burke County and has lived in Caldwell County for the past 20 years. He moved to Lenoir about 10 years ago and is very familiar with the community. Hogan and his wife Missy have a14-year-old son, Sully. The family loves spending time outdoors and Mr. Hogan enjoys running, cycling, hiking, and fishing.
"I love the City’s greenway and I've put in many miles on it," Mr. Hogan said. "It’s one of my favorite assets in Lenoir."
City Manager Scott Hildebran said that Mr. Hogan's background, experience, and connections in Lenoir and Caldwell County make him a great fit for Lenoir.
"Mr. Hogan has many years of experience working in local government, managing a large staff and budget, and providing good customer service to the public," City Manager Hildebran said. "He fully supports our motto of 'Service Beyond Measure' and his knowledge of landscaping and parks and grounds maintenance will be a great asset for the City. He will be a very good addition to the Public Services Department and Team Lenoir."
Public Services Director Radford Thomas said he is looking forward to getting Mr. Hogan on board at the City and introducing him to the all the City staff and projects.
“I am impressed with his educational background and his work experience over the past 23 years," Director Thomas said. "I believe he will bring innovative ideas and a spirit of collaboration to our team. We share a similar management and customer service philosophy, and I am looking forward to working with Jon.”
Mr. Hogan said he's excited to bring his experience and talents to the City and help Lenoir make the best impression it can for residents and visitors.
"Landscaping, buildings, and streets, these are the first things people see in a city, and they create the first impression of your town," Mr. Hogan said. "People are looking for colorful, well-maintained landscapes, clean streets and sidewalks and we want to make a meaningful lasting impression. I am looking forward to working with the team in Lenoir and giving my best to the City."
Mr. Hogan's first day with the City of Lenoir will be July 11, 2022.
Related: Thomas promoted to Public Services Director, Jun 8, 2022