TOWN OF CARRBORO 301 West Main Street Carrboro, North Carolina 27510

News Release For Release: Immediate Contact : Julie Eckenrode Date: July 17, 2015 Phone: 919-918-7308

Carrboro Hires James Freeman as Public Works Director

James “JD” Freeman will join the town as Public Works Director. JD completed an in-depth and comprehensive assessment center-like interview process led by the Human Resources department. His employment begins on August 3, 2015.

As Public Works Director, Freeman will oversee the department’s five divisions and 37 full-time employees as well as a $4.1 million budget for FY2015-16. The Public Works Department is responsible for solid waste management, street maintenance, landscaping and park and field maintenance, and building and fleet maintenance.

Freeman graduated with a civil engineering degree from the Academy and served in his first assignment at Pope Air Force Base, NC. He next led engineering teams for the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. After 13 months, Freeman was transferred to Ramstein Air Base, , where he led environmental engineering for the largest military installation outside of the US.

After his military service, he led teams in the financing, design, and construction of infrastructure projects for municipalities throughout the Carolinas and Virginia, then worked as project manager overseeing facility and infrastructure assessments for the Department of Defense. While in this role, Freeman found time to successfully complete the Kenan-Flagler Executive MBA Program at UNC Chapel Hill with an emphasis on strategy and leadership.

“JD’s diverse military and professional background has prepared him well for this new role,” said David Andrews, Town Manager. “It was evident throughout the interview process that his dedication to sustainability and his leadership style align with the organizational values of the Town of Carrboro.”

Freeman is a seasoned civil engineer and leader with diverse experiences ranging from project planning, construction management, and infrastructure design, to facility assessments. Since becoming a Professional Engineer, he has focused his career on sustainability by becoming a LEED Accredited Professional and Certified Energy Manager.

Mr. Freeman currently resides in Durham with his wife of six years and two young daughters. He enjoys activities such as golfing, gardening, fishing, and any outdoor activity with his family. He is a UNC sports fan but still has a soft spot for the darker blue of the Air Force Falcons.

For more information about the Carrboro Public Works Department, please visit http://www.townofcarrboro.org/123/Public-Works.

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