Harold Austin and Ben Wilson
Harold Austin is retiring as director of the Hamilton County Highway Department, and his replacement will be Ben Wilson.
Mr. Austin's last day on the job will be March 4.
County Mayor Jim Coppinger said Mr. Wilson has worked closely with Mr. Austin for the past 12 years.
He said one project he supervised was the clearing of trees for the Volkswagen site. "He worked at it seven days a week from daylight to dark," he said.
The county mayor said Mr. Austin had over two decades with TDOT before a long career overseeing the county department.
Commissioner Warren Mackey said Mr. Austin "has done a sterling job. He's well-respected throughout the state."
Commissioner Joe Graham called him "a superstar for Hamilton County for many years."
County Mayor Coppinger said when he travels across the state, "People ask me about two people - Harold Austin and Bill Knowles."