City of Valdosta Announces New Public Works Director

VALDOSTA – The City of Valdosta announces the promotion of Mr. Larry Ogden to the position of Public Works Director.

Release:

The City of Valdosta is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Larry Ogden to Public Works Director. Building on a distinguished 26-year career with the City, Mr. Ogden’s promotion recognizes his exceptional leadership and contributions to the Traffic and Streets Management Division.

Larry Ogden joined the City of Valdosta Engineering Department in November 1997, starting in the Signal Shop and working his way up to his most recent position as Traffic Manager. In this role, he managed 14 positions and coordinated activities within the Traffic Division, overseeing wireless and fiber optic projects, traffic systems functionality and various maintenance responsibilities.

Mr. Ogden’s recent accomplishments include the successful installation of new equipment at all 128 signalized intersections in the city and the implementation of a state-of-the-art wireless SMART system, making Valdosta the first city in Georgia to use such technology citywide. His meticulous oversight of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) enabled the seamless integration of new operating system software and equipment, contributing to optimal rush hour traffic flow at the new Valdosta High School.

Under Mr. Ogden’s leadership as Director of Traffic and Streets, the City has seen a significant decrease in traffic and signage complaints. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his strategic personnel choices, contributing to improved internal operations.

“I am deeply honored to be promoted to the role of Public Works Director,” said Ogden. “I am excited to continue serving the City of Valdosta in this new role and look forward to working with our dedicated team to enhance our public works services and infrastructure for the benefit of our community.”

Deputy City Manager Catherine Ammons also expressed confidence in Ogden’s abilities. “Larry Ogden has been an invaluable asset to our city for over two decades,” Ammons said. “His expertise and dedication as a public works administrator has significantly improved the department, and I am confident he will excel in his new role as public works director.”

Mayor Scott James welcomed Mr. Ogden’s promotion, saying, “Larry Ogden’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in advancing our city’s infrastructure. His promotion to Public Works Director is well-deserved and I am confident he will continue to drive progress and innovation in our community.”

On April 4, 2022, the City of Valdosta was honored with the 2022 SMART 50 Award for Mobility at the Smart Cities Connect conference in Columbus, Ohio. Larry Ogden, Traffic Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the City. The project improved traffic flow and safety while improving mobility for residents in the neighborhood. Additionally, Ogden was a 2021 finalist for the World Smart City Awards and is a 2022 recipient of the Smart Cities Connect Smart 50 Awards.

The City of Valdosta congratulates Larry Ogden on his well-deserved promotion and looks forward to his continued contributions to the growth and development of the City.