Organizational changes made to Public Works

The City of Kingsport has made organizational changes to its Public Works Department in an effort to provide the most effective and efficient delivery of services to the residents of Kingsport.

Effective immediately, Niki Ensor has been named Kingsport’s Utilities Director and will oversee the Utilities Department, which is responsible for wastewater, drinking water and storm water services within the city.

Niki has been with the city since 1998 and has spent her entire career within the Water and Wastewater Divisions.  She received a BS in Environmental Health and a Masters of Public Administration both from ETSU.  Additionally, she has served on a variety of professional associations and committees and has had a lifelong passion for the water industry.

Additionally, Chad Austin will serve as the Assistant Utilities Director with daily oversight and leadership to the field operations. Chad received a B.S degree in Civil Engineering and has been with Kingsport since 2000. 

This past fall, Kingsport named Michael Thompson as the Public Works Director with oversight to the Streets and Sanitation Division, Fleet Division, Building Maintenance Division and the Kingsport MPO.

Additionally, Tim Elsea was named Assistant Public Works Director providing daily oversight and leadership to the Streets and Sanitation Division.

“Over the past year, we have made a concerted effort to organize the groups within my oversight to provide efficient and effective service to the customer while enhancing the support to internal organizational needs,” said Deputy City Manager Ryan McReynolds. “These promotions more properly reflect the important role these individuals are already playing and the value they bring to our organization.”

The Public Works Department oversees transportation related activities, sanitation collection and disposal, maintenance of the city’s fleet of equipment, and care of the buildings that serve the citizens. The Utilities Department oversees wastewater, drinking water and storm water services, all of which serve a population of more than 100,000 people and extend to four counties in Tennessee and Virginia.

For more information, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov.