VALDOSTA — The City of Valdosta recently announced the promotions of two longtime employees to high-ranking positions with the city.

Jason W. Barnes has been named the new director of utilities, and Larry Ogden has been named public works director.

Barnes to lead Utilities Department

Barnes, who began his career with the city in 1995 as a laborer, has progressively advanced through various roles, leading to his promotion to water treatment plant superintendent in 2014 and assistant director of utilities two years ago.

“I am honored to be promoted from assistant director to director of utilities for the City of Valdosta,” Barnes said. “I am committed to leading our dedicated team and continuing to improve our services for the community.”

Barnes credits his success to the unwavering support of his wife, children, and family. “I am deeply honored to be selected as the director of utilities for the City of Valdosta,” Barnes said. “We have an outstanding team that understands the significance of our work.”

Mayor Scott James Matheson expressed his confidence in Barnes’s leadership, stating, “Jason Barnes has shown exceptional dedication and expertise throughout his career with the City of Valdosta. His promotion to director of utilities is well-deserved, and I am confident that he will continue to lead the department to greater heights.”

Assistant City Manager Catherine Ammons also praised Barnes’s leadership and promotion, stating, “Jason’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in transforming our Utilities Department. His promotion is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the positive impact he has had on our team and community. We are excited to see the continued progress under his direction.”

Ogden named public works director

Ogden joined the City of Valdosta Engineering Department in November 1997, starting in the Sign Shop and rising through the ranks to his most recent position as traffic manager. In this role, he managed 14 positions and coordinated activities within the Traffic Division, overseeing wireless and fiber projects, traffic systems functionality, and various maintenance responsibilities.

Ogden’s recent accomplishments include the successful installation of new equipment at all 128 signaled intersections city-wide and the implementation of a cutting-edge wireless SMART system, making Valdosta the first city in Georgia to employ such technology on a city-wide scale. His meticulous oversight of the Traffic Management Center resulted in the seamless integration of new operation system software and equipment, contributing to optimal traffic flow during peak hours at the new Valdosta High School.

Under Ogden’s leadership as traffic and street manager, the city experienced a significant decrease in traffic and signal-related complaints, the city said.

“I am deeply honored to be promoted to director of public works,” Ogden said. “I am excited to continue serving the City of Valdosta in this new capacity and look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team to enhance our public works services and infrastructure for the betterment of our community.”

Assistant City Manager Ammons also expressed her confidence in Ogden’s abilities. “Larry Ogden has been an invaluable asset to our city for over two decades,” Ammons said. “His expertise and dedication as the public works administrator have significantly improved the department, and I have no doubt he will excel in his new role as public works director.”

Mayor Matheson praised Ogden’s promotion, stating, “Larry Ogden’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in advancing our city’s infrastructure. His promotion to public works director is well-deserved, and I am confident that he will continue to drive progress and innovation in our community.”

On April 4, 2022, the City of Valdosta received a 2022 SMART 50 Award for Mobility at the Smart Cities Connect Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Ogden, traffic manager at the time, accepted the award on behalf of the city. The project improved traffic flow and safety with enhanced mobility for area residents. Additionally, Ogden was a 2021 finalist for the World Smart City Awards and is a 2022 recipient of the Smart 50 Awards by Smart Cities Connect.