Employee Spotlight: Fred Hawkins, Director of Engineering, Building, and Environmental Services
By Barry Wise Smith
When Fred Hawkins came to Alabaster in 2019, he brought years of municipal experience—both employee and leadership—with him. A civil engineer and Auburn graduate, Hawkins spent the first 20 years of his professional career working on the design and construction management of transportation, water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and site development projects in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. A former resident of Homewood, Hawkins served on the Park Board, Planning Commission, and City Council for the city. “My time in Homewood was filled with many great friends, memories, and accomplishments,” he says.
In 2013, Hawkins took a job with the city of Birmingham. “A very good friend and client recruited me to come work as the city engineer for Birmingham,” Hawkins recalls. “Making the change from the private sector to public servant was very rewarding. Throughout my career, I have been blessed to meet and work with many good people, and I am so thankful for every person who helped me along the way.”
In 2019, a friend mentioned to Hawkins that Alabaster was looking for an engineer and they thought he would be a good fit. “The interview process was different than any I had experienced in the past,” Hawkins says. “There was a selection committee comprised of professionals from Shelby County and Alabaster who seemed to be committed to make a difference. The questions I was asked were about how to make a difference and make positive things happen. I remember one question in particular: “How do you feel about contractors and developers making money (in Alabaster)?” My answer was simple. If contractors and developers are having trouble making money in Alabaster, then we must be doing something wrong. My goal was to be a partner in construction and development, not a regulatory roadblock. Feedback from that question alone made me feel like I had a chance to be a part of something truly rewarding.”
Hawkins got the job and was named Director of Engineering, Building, and Environmental Services, a position that essentially oversees three different departments. The engineering division oversees private residential, industrial, commercial, and retail developments and has a role in overseeing all of Alabaster’s capital projects like parks, streets, sidewalks and trails, and municipal buildings. “Planning and Zoning is also a key component of the engineering division to ensure that our city continues to grow in a smart way,” Hawkins says.
The building division is responsible for all building, land disturbance, and other permits in the city, and the environmental services department provides consistent service transporting sewage waste from homes and businesses, treating and cleaning the sewage at the sewage treatment plant. “Our goal is to consistently meet our ADEM discharge permit requirements with no overflows or spills, while providing excellent customer service,” Hawkins says.
Hawkins’ transition to Alabaster has been a good one, and he has established good relationships in the community. “The welcome I got from Alabaster leadership and employees and our partners at Shelby County was tremendous,” Hawkins says. “My sense of purpose is elevated to a new high. I have the opportunity every day to make a positive difference in employees’ and citizens’ lives. I have a philosophy: hire character, train talent. Alabaster has allowed me to exactly that. Investing in training is strongly encouraged, and the Mayor, City Council, and department heads are all focused on improving the quality of life for citizens and employees while increasing opportunities for business to thrive. This is truly a special place, and I am enjoying being here as much as anywhere I have ever been.”
Hawkins is currently overseeing the widening project for SR 119 under construction. “I think my one primary must-do project is completing SR 119 widening Phase 1 and 2, south to Veterans Park,” Hawkins says. Other projects include the Patriot Park renovation, Alabaster Boulevard rehabilitation and extension, implantation of the city’s Trail Master Plan, a new connector road from SR 119 at Veterans Park to Smokey Road, completion of the new Police Station, and the long-term implementation of our Master Plan for the newly acquired property purchased from the Alabaster School Board located at SR 119 and Thompson Road. “Some of the most rewarding projects have been park and trail projects,” he says. “Parks and trails increase property values, stimulate residential and business growth, and immediately improve the quality of life for our citizens.”
Hawkins lives on a small farm in Morris with his wife Leslie and their dog, Bocephus. Hawkins’ son, Alex, his wife Sophie, and Hawkins’ grandson Lucas live nearby. “They gave me the best present ever in 2020 with my first grandson,” Hawkins says. “He is amazing. Watching him grow up and spoiling him is something I am really looking forward to.” Hawkins credits his father, big Fred, for how he leads his life both professionally and personally. “He is the best man I know,” Hawkins says. “I have always tried to follow in his footsteps as a civil engineer, husband, father, and strong Christian man.” Hawkins loves eating at Alabaster restaurants in his down time. “I frequent Champy’s, Birds and Burgers, Longhorn, Taziki’s, and Chubbfathers. An avid foodie, I look forward to seeing new restaurants open in Alabaster over the next couple of years. Shout out to Lickin’ Good Donuts and Pit Stop Barber Shop!”