The City of Valdosta announced Monday that Richard Hardy has been named its Public Works Director.   

Hardy recently retired after a distinguished career in the United States Air Force that included two tours of duty at Moody A.F.B., where he served from 2006-2010 and again from 2011-2013.   Before retiring from the Air Force with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in 2014, Hardy served at various military locations as an Operations Coordinator, a Squadron Superintendent, a Maintenance Superintendent, and a Superintendent of Training Operations.  While at Moody, he supervised over 500 employees and managed a budget of $6 million.   His academic success includes several Associate Degrees in Applied Science, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Education and a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems. 

In naming Hardy as the new Public Works Director, City Manager Larry Hanson said the city had previously advertised for the position in May but did not find a suitable applicant.  In recent months, the community began an initiative to support the hiring of those who are currently separating from the Armed Services.  The city actively participated in several job fairs and encouraged its departments to participate as well and give every consideration to the capable men and women who have served our country and are now seeking employment through either separation or retirement.   During this time, Hardy’s interest in working in local government and for the City of Valdosta became known.   He was interviewed in August and made a strong impression based upon his skills, education, training, outstanding work history and references.  In particular, his extensive experience in maintenance and operations, safety, logistics, and budget management made him the ideal candidate for the position.

“We are fortunate to have an individual of Richard Hardy’s caliber join our organization,” stated City Manager Hanson.  “Our previous search did not result in identifying the candidate we were looking for.   Richard applied during the time our community was focusing on an effort to reach out to the men and women in our military who are coming into the job market.   We were impressed with his work experience, his level of training and education, and we know he has received outstanding management and human resources training during his military career.  I have no doubt that Richard Hardy is the right professional to lead our Public Works Department and to serve the citizens of our great city. He has served our country honorably, and we are excited he will now serve our city.”   

According to Hanson, the feedback he received from various references and others who either know or have worked with Hardy were highly supportive of him.  

“References and supervisors describe Richard as an impressive individual, absolutely professional, team oriented, honest and dependable, an effective listener, trustworthy, someone employees want to work for, personable, a good teacher, someone who cares about the employees he works with, a person of high integrity and a person who leads by example,” said Hanson.  “Richard will build upon the strong foundation of the department and, along with the existing team of dedicated employees, will take the department to new heights.”

Hardy, who was pleased to accept the position and begin a new chapter of his life in Valdosta, said, “I am honored to serve as the new Public Works Director for the City of Valdosta.  I am grateful for the opportunity presented to me and the confidence expressed in me by Mr. Hanson.  I look forward to working with our employees to serve our citizens with high quality services.”   

Hardy assumed his duties as Public Works Director effective September 22, 2014.