David Coleman, who has shepherded numerous infrastructure projects for Beaufort County, will be the City of Beaufort’s Senior Project Manager when he starts Jan. 5.
The position will guide and supervise infrastructure projects in the city that are approved, budgeted and ready to start. Among the advertised qualifications sought were 8-10 years of management level experience and a full understanding of sound engineering and construction principals that are required in complex infrastructure projects.
“We are very fortunate to have someone step up with David’s background and experience in similar types of project management, especially someone who understands the local, county and state permitting processes and how things work,” Beaufort City Manager Scott Dadson said.
“David is a welcome addition to our team and I know he’ll hit the ground running with his background with projects across Beaufort County,” Dadson said.
For the past seven years, Coleman has worked as the county’s Capital Improvement Project Manager, leading projects such as the St. Helena Island library, various recreational center and field improvements, boat landings and stormwater and drainage upgrades.
Coleman’s initial priorities for the position include the upcoming $30 million Boundary Street construction and redevelopment, construction of a new fire station off Ribaut Road, and various road improvements including a stormwater drainage and sidewalk project at Allison Road.
“This is an important position for Beaufort as we move into several major infrastructure projects that will require daily, and sometimes even hourly, supervision,” said Bill Prokop, director of human resources for Beaufort. “Having in-house expertise will help ensure our projects are done properly, that our community is kept informed with accurate information, and that we keep our costs under control.”
More than 50 people from across the country applied for the Senior Project Manager position, Prokop said. “We were very pleased with both the number and the exceptional quality of our applicants for this position. That speaks highly to the desirability of working in and for the City of Beaufort.”
Coleman earned his degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in structural analysis and water resources from the University of South Carolina. Prior to joining the County’s Engineering Division, he was the engineer in charge at C&D Home Builders, a Beaufort-based firm that designed and built residential, commercial and industrial projects.
The new position will report directly to the City Manager and is expected to regularly update the City Council on the infrastructure improvements. The job is expected to last 18-36 months.
The Boundary Street redevelopment and construction are expected to start this winter. The approximate 1.5-mile project will improve driver and pedestrian safety, create a more attractive entry to Beaufort’s historic district, and encourage economic growth. Coleman will work with county engineers, the South Carolina DOT, contractors, city leaders and affected businesses to ensure as smooth a process as possible.
