BEAUMONT, Texas — Jefferson County Drainage District Number 6 has announced a replacement for its former manager who retired after county crews were seen working on employee’s homes following Tropical Storm Imelda.
The district’s board of directors has offered the general manager job to Beaumont Public Works Director Dr. Joseph Majdalani according to a news release from the drainage district’s attorney Thad Heartfield.
Majdalani’s anticipated start date with the district is January 6, 2020, according to the news release.
He has been the Public Works Director for the City of Beaumont since July 2014 and previously served as the city’s engineer from March 2011 thro0ugh July 2014 according to his resume.
The district’s former general manager, Richard Leblanc decided to retire amid controversy following Imelda.
Our news partners at the Beaumont Enterprise took photos of DD6 crews cleaning up at other DD6 employees' homes.
Leblanc previously told 12News, "I was trying to help people, I hope that we can clear up this where it's legal for us to do it and there's not any questions about it and I'd love to help people throughout the community."
Leblanc later apologized and reimbursed the drainage district for expenses.
RELATED: Drainage District 6 processing applications for general manager position after Imelda controversy
From a Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6 news release…
Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6 announced that its Board of Directors extended an offer toJoseph Majdalani to be its General Manager. His anticipated start date is January 6, 2020.
Dr. Majdalani will succeed Richard P. LeBlanc who retired on October 31, 2019.
“As general manager of DD6, Joe will manage the daily operations of the district. The Board has the utmost confidence that he is the best leader to set the vision for the District’s continued success. Dr. Majdalani will bring to DD6 his extensive background in engineering, drainage, utilities, and infrastructure from the private sector and from working for the City of Houston and City of Beaumont.
He will be a great addition to the already outstanding staff at the District,” said Joshua W. Allen, Sr., President of Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6.
Dr. Majdalani said, “As General Manager of DD6, I will focus my efforts on improving the performance of the drainage system in Jefferson County and help reduce the risk of future flooding. My management of the district will be open to the public. I will operate in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed. I look forward to continued communications with our community about their observations and concerns regarding drainage and governing in an honest, accountable, and open manner. I have called this area home for the last 26 years. It’s where my wife grew up and we raised our three daughters. I plan to stay here and continue helping the growth of this area for future generations to come.”
Majdalani has over 35 years of experience in the private and public sectors. He has risen through the ranks of Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Chief Engineer, Water Utilities Manager, Senior Assistant Director, City Engineer, and to his most recent position as Public Works Director for The City of Beaumont.
Majdalani previously served as Senior Assistant Director of Wastewater Operations for the fourth largest city in the United States, The City of Houston, where he directed the operation of over 600 employees and administered an annual operating budget of $115 million.
As Director of Public Works at the City of Beaumont, he manages over 400 city employees and is responsible for initiating and updating the City’s Master Drainage Plan, Water System Master Plan, Wastewater Systems Master Plan, Pavement Condition Assessment Study, Beaumont Municipal Airport Development Plan and Annual Citywide Street Rehabilitation Program.
Majdalani Completed both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, and received his Doctorate of Engineering at Lamar University.
Since 2008 he has served as a member of the Civil Engineering Advisory Council at Lamar University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas, Louisiana, California, and is a Certified Floodplain Manager in the State of Texas.
He was named Most Valuable Professional for 2009-2010 from the Gulf Coast Trenchless Association and Underground Construction magazine and was Engineer of the year in 2013.
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