GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The City of Gatlinburg has announced that Roger Sims has been promoted to Public Works Director, effective September 20.
As the City’s Public Works Director, Sims will oversee the operations of seven departments, including Building Maintenance, Mass Transit, Parking, Sanitation, Service Center, Street, and Utilities Departments. Sims replaces Larry Henderson, who retired on September 19, following 44 years of service to the City.
“Roger has served as the City’s Assistant Public Works Director over the past year and has demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that the City’s infrastructure and services run smoothly,” Gatlinburg City Manager Greg Patterson said. “His extensive experience and dedication, along with his leadership, will be invaluable as we continue to improve and maintain the quality of life for our residents and the experience for our visitors. I have full confidence in his ability to lead the Public Works Departments with excellence and innovation."
Sims is a 35-year veteran of local government work, beginning his public service career with the City of Gatlinburg’s Utilities Department. He worked for the Department from 1989 until 2009 as a Crew Leader in the Department, where he scheduled and managed work orders for employees, being responsible for the operation and maintenance of the water and sewer facility and assisted with water and sewer line breaks.
In 2009, Sims was hired as the Water Department Superintendent for Sevier County Government. In his 14 years with the County, he oversaw the Department’s $2.8 million budget, while also being responsible for all operations and maintenance of the Department and its employees.
In 2023, he returned to the City of Gatlinburg as its Assistant Public Works Director, where he assisted in overseeing the operations of the City’s seven Public Works Departments.
Sims is a 1986 graduate of Gatlinburg-Pittman High School and holds a degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University. He also is a veteran of the United States Army and Tennessee National Guard and served in Iraq in 2004 through 2005.
“I am truly honored to be named Public Works Director for the City of Gatlinburg and am appreciative of the City Commission and City Manager’s confidence in me,” Sims said. “Having spent years working with the City of Gatlinburg, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our team to maintaining and improving the services that our citizens and visitors rely on.
“I look forward to continuing this work and leading our efforts to ensure Gatlinburg remains a safe, beautiful, and vibrant place to live and visit. I’m excited for the opportunity to serve in this new capacity and contribute to the future growth of our city.”
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