The Town of Smithfield has named Walter “Ted” Credle as the new Public Utilities Director. He replaces interim utilities director Pete Connet who has served since the resignation of former Utility Director Ken Griffin on March 27, 2015.
Credle has nearly 30 years of progressively responsible work in public water and sewer systems. He has previously worked for several private and public agencies including Durham County, where he served as Project Manager. In this capacity, Credle created and managed a budget of $14M worth of design, construction and administration. He is a Professional Engineer in the State of North Carolina and earned both a Bachelor and Master of Science from NC State University in the fields of Nuclear/Civil Engineering.
Mr. Credle will report directly to Interim Town Manager Jim Freeman. “We’re excited to welcome Mr. Credle to our Town of Smithfield team,” comments Mr. Freeman. “We believe he will be a great asset to the Utility Department and the Town as a whole.”
Mr. Credle, who lives in the Clayton area, will officially begin his full-time duties with the Town of Smithfield on February 22nd. “I am excited for this opportunity. I am looking forward to getting to know, and serve, the citizens and customers of the Town of Smithfield,” he said.
His starting salary is $89,999.52. He will receive benefits equivalent to all other department heads, according to Human Resource Director Tim Kerigan.
The Town is still in the process selecting a permanent fire chief and town manager. Kerigan said a decision on a new fire chief could be made soon. As for the town manager, the town has narrowed the list of candidates and will be reviewing those candidates over the next two weeks. “Both searches are progressing as scheduled,” Kerigan said.
