MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Murfreesboro City Manager Craig Tindall has appointed Sam Huddleston to serve as Assistant City Manager for Engineering and Economic Development in the City Manager’s Office. Huddleston has served as Executive Director for the reorganized Development Services Division since July 2018. Huddleston takes over for retiring Assistant City Manager Gary Whitaker who retired January 17, 2023, after 35 years of service.

Gary Whitaker served as Assistant City Manager for Development and Coordination in the City Manager’s Office since July 2018. Whitaker began his career with the City in February 1988 in the Building and Codes Department, including serving as Director, and then served as Planning Director from January 2016 to July 2018. In addition to overseeing the internal services departments, Whitaker focused on the City’s economic development and many large construction projects, including the Municipal Airport Terminal.

Huddleston assumed the duties of Assistant City Manager on January 17, 2023.

“Sam has served the City with distinction for many years and I’m confident in Sam’s abilities and leadership to enhance economic development and oversee projects with great efficiency,” said City Manager Craig Tindall. “Sam has a wealth of expertise and experience working with developers and engineers in the planning and development process emphasizing customer service.”

Huddleston has served as Assistant City Engineer and Environmental Engineer for the City. In 2018, with the City’s reorganization into seven divisions, Huddleston became the Executive Director for Development Services Division with responsibility for the Planning, Building and Codes, and Community Development departments. The Division also oversees floodplain management, the city development process, and aspects of Engineering and urban environmental.

Prior to his 23 years with the City, Huddleston worked for eleven years in private consulting as an environmental engineer. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Tennessee, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and past president of the Nashville Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Huddleston holds a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.

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