John Nichols named Brunswick County Public Utilities Director

John Nichols has been named Director of Brunswick County Public Utilities effective Jan. 2, 2017.

Nichols, a Southport native and graduate of South Brunswick High School, has worked for Brunswick County for more than 10 years as Assistant Director of Public Utilities. He will begin his new position following the retirement of Brunswick County Public Utilities Director Jerry Pierce at the end of 2016.

During his time as Assistant Director, the number of Brunswick County Public Utilities customers nearly doubled, and the County undertook several projects expanding the water and wastewater systems, including the Boiling Spring Lakes Sewer Collection & Transmission Project and the Northwest Water Treatment Expansion. Nichols was also instrumental with implementing the County-wide Water System Hydraulic Model and Sewer System Hydraulic Model, and was part of the team that won the NC American Water Works Association Large Distribution System of the Year Award four years in a row.

Nichols received his BS in Civil Engineering from N.C. State University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and worked for 11 years as a Consulting Engineer specializing in Hydraulics, Stormwater, transportation, and utility design prior to coming to work for Brunswick County. When not working, he enjoys the outdoors and boating around the Southport area.

“As Utilities Director, I look forward to assisting my neighbors and community by helping to provide sustainable, cost-effective water and wastewater service,” Nichols said. “Long-time Director Jerry Pierce has built a solid foundation that I plan to continue building upon and Board members like David Sandifer have provided a vision for the utility that I plan to continue to develop. We have an experienced, dedicated, and well-trained staff that I am confident can meet the challenges that lie ahead.”

“Mr. Nichols has helped guide Brunswick County Public Utilities during tremendous growth over the past decade, and assisted with several projects that have helped our Public Utilities staff to better serve our customers,” said County Manager Ann Hardy. “We will miss Mr. Pierce as he begins his well-deserved retirement, but I am pleased that Mr. Nichols will be taking on the role of Director.”