From staff reports
The City of Beaufort has announced the selection of Eric Claussen as its new Assistant City Manager in a news release, bringing more than two decades of executive leadership in municipal and county government to the role.
“We are beyond excited that Eric is joining our executive team,” City Manager Scott Marshall said in the release. “He brings depth of experience in areas where he can positively impact our operations right away and also brings leadership acumen that will continue to benefit this community for the long haul.”
Claussen, who previously called Beaufort home, said returning to serve this community is both meaningful and inspiring.
“I am honored and humbled to accept this role with the City of Beaufort,” Claussen said in the release. “Having previously called this community home, I am eager to hit the ground running by building strong partnerships, supporting challenging projects, and helping advance the City’s vision for the future. The opportunity to serve in this capacity in a place that my family and I love is truly a blessing.”
Claussen most recently served as Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Springfield, Mo., where he provided executive oversight for major operational divisions including street operations, transportation, facilities, and fleet services. He led more than 200 employees, managed a $55 million annual operating budget, and played a key role in the department’s successful national APWA re-accreditation.
During his tenure, Claussen helped build community trust and advance long-term infrastructure goals through major initiatives such as sales tax referendums, business district improvements, neighborhood enhancement programs, and community-focused safety efforts.
Prior to his work in Springfield, Claussen served as Director of Engineering for Beaufort County, where he was part of the County’s Leadership Team and directed countywide engineering, traffic operations, capital improvements, and facilities programs.
He also served as Director of Public Services for the Town of Nags Head, N.C., overseeing streets, stormwater, utilities, sanitation, fleet operations, parks, and facilities management.
Claussen holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration from Missouri State University. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Missouri and South Carolina and is a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer. His career includes numerous regional and statewide awards recognizing excellence in public service and leadership.
Claussen is expected to begin with the City on or about February 16, 2026.
