The City of Knoxville’s Engineering Department has selected Chris Howley as Engineering Planning Chief. Howley replaces Brent Johnson, who recently retired after more than 27 years of service. The division’s responsibilities include site development permitting, construction inspections, survey plat reviews, managing the City’s NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Stormwater Program, GIS work and street lighting.

Howley graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1995 with a degree in civil engineering, as well as a master’s degree in environmental engineering in 2004. He is a licensed engineer and has served on several professional and civic organizations. He was the 2011 recipient of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) Local Professional Engineer in Government Award.

“Chris has been with our department for 18 years and we look forward to his leadership in the Stormwater Division,” said City Engineer Director Jim Hagerman.

Howley will have 31 employees and a $2.736 million annual budget.

“I am eager to take on the new responsibilities and look forward to continuing to work with the citizens of Knoxville and the development community,” Howley said.

Howley’s experience includes managerial positions in stormwater engineering and administering the street lighting program within the City of Knoxville and a stint as an engineer in the private sector in Norcross, Ga.

In his free time Howley loves outdoor activities including playing soccer, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and triathlons.