Hattiesburg Public Works Director Larry Barnes Announced His Resignation

This is a press release from the city of Hattiesburg.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Public Works Director Larry Barnes announced his resignation from the City of Hattiesburg to pursue other career opportunities.

“I appreciate the support of the residents of Hattiesburg during my tenure as Public Works director,” said Barnes. “We have made great progress in becoming more citizen-focused, and I believe the future of Hattiesburg is bright."

Barnes has served as Public Works Director since 2014. Under his leadership and direction, the Public Works Department grew with expanded goals and visions as well as with the advancements in pavement and sidewalk renovation improvement projects, curb-side recycling, drainage improvements and upgrades, neighborhood improvement projects through housing demolitions and land clearances, and the restoration and renovation of city landmarks and buildings.

Mayor Toby Barker credited Barnes for having a strong vision for the department and a proactive approach in making that vision into reality.

“Larry Barnes has served the City of Hattiesburg and its citizens well over the past four years. He made the Public Works Department more responsive and efficient, and his organizational restructuring gave the city more capacity to meet the needs of neighborhoods and improve quality of life. We wish him well in this next chapters of his career.”

Barnes' last day as director will be December 31, and he will remain with the city in a different role for several weeks to assist with the transition.