Longtime public works employee C. W. Crowder Jr. is the new South Boston public works director, succeeding Danny McCormick, who announced his retirement last month.

Town Manager Tom Raab made the announcement at Monday’s work session, noting Crowder’s knowledge with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) regulations, including VDOT’s state of good repair program and his experience working with the public works department in a number of capacities for 24 years.

Known as state of good repair (SGR), the program provides funding for deteriorated pavements and structurally deficient bridges maintained or owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation and/or localities as approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
Crowder, operations supervisor since 2006, will supervise 23 public works employees in his job as public works director.

Safety is his number one goal, Crowder told council.

“It’s a well-earned promotion, and I congratulate you,” said Councilman Bob Hughes. “The town has benefited from this promotion.”

Councilman W. R. Snead noted Crowder came out in the rain on a Sunday to make sure a stormwater issue with a town customer had been resolved.

“That citizen really appreciated it, and that loyalty of employees is what makes South Boston great,” said Snead.

“We’ve really hired a problem solver,” said Mayor Ed Owens. “We look forward to working with you.”

From The Gazette Virginian