The Charlotte County Commission appointed longtime county employee Alan Holbach as the new director of public works, replacing former director Bob Halfhill, who resigned.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Holbach began his career with the county in September 1998, when he was hired as manager of maintenance and operations for public works.

“I’m excited and really looking forward to it,” Holbach said of his new position. “We have a fantastic group of people that work for the public works department and I’m just honored to be selected to lead them.”

On Tuesday, commissioners voted unanimously to approve County Administrator Ray Sandrock’s recommendation to appoint Holbach to the post retroactive to Jan. 4, at an annual salary of $108,503.

The public works director oversees about 148 employees spread over the county’s pest management, solid waste, and road and bridge maintenance divisions.

“I am pleased to have Alan as part of our team and know he will lead with excellence,” Sandrock wrote in a memo to commissioners.

Holbach’s accomplishments include 12 years in Hernando County, where he served as public works director, interim deputy county administrator and interim county administrator.

Commissioner Tricia Duffy approved Holbach’s appointment and said he was well supported by the members of his department.

“There are a lot of important projects in the works, and he’s well respected for his knowledge and ability to get things done,” Duffy said.

Halfhill, who served as the head of public works from 2009 until early this month, now reportedly is negotiating a compensation package with officials in Walton County, Fla., (in the Panhandle) for the position of county administrator.

Email: bbarbosa@sun-herald.com