In the 139 years since its inception, the City of Hattiesburg has seen a long list of city engineers – a list of individuals who Mayor Toby Barker said have moved the Hub City forward with projects, record keeping and providing technical assistance to developers.
Now, Barker has named the fourteenth individual on that list: MaryBeth Bergin, who the mayor appointed during a news conference April 3 at Hattiesburg City Hall. Bergin’s appointment will be placed on this week’s agenda of Hattiesburg City Council; if approved, she will begin her duties on June 1.
“I appreciate the opportunity to join (this) staff, and continue the momentum that the Hub City has had over the last several years,” Bergin said. “When I first came to visit, I could sense the energy that Hattiesburg has right now, and I was really excited to come and try to be a part of that.
“I’m looking forward to serving the citizens of Hattiesburg, and I’m honored to be selected for this role. I am committed to doing my very best for the city.”
Bergin takes over for former city engineer Lamar Rutland, who recently left the role to take a position with an outside organization. As the director, she will lead the following five divisions under Engineering and Transportation: engineering, traffic, mass transit, graphic information systems and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Bergin brings more than 20 years of experience with engineering and traffic-related positions across the private and public sector, specifically with more than 10 at the municipal level. For the past 12 years, she’s served the City of Mobile as the assistant traffic engineering director.
“During our search for a permanent replacement (for Rutland), we knew we needed someone who could serve as engineer and also project manager,” Barker said. “We know the challenges that come with our region’s growth, especially in our transportation system, and we knew those challenges called for someone who we felt brought a level of proficiency acquired from working in a larger market.
“We have found that person. When I talk about Hattiesburg working to become the premier city in the Gulf South, I often hold up the City of Mobile as an example of where we want to go.”
Bergin earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Auburn University. She holds the following certifications: Registered Professional Engineer in Alabama, certified Professional Traffic Operations Engineer and Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official.
In addition, Bergin – who will be the first woman to serve as Hattiesburg’s city engineer – was selected as the Alabama Section ITE Transportation Engineer of the Year for 2021.
“We’re just excited to have her join the cabinet to help the city,” Barker said. “It’s a really exciting time to be here, and we just look forward to all she’s going to bring to the position.
“We welcome her and her family to Hattiesburg.”
