Back in March, Mayor Andre Dickens announced that James “Gregory” Eyerly would be joining Atlanta as the new Commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management. Eyerly stepped into the role in April, bringing decades of experience in public works and water infrastructure to one of the city’s most critical departments.
Eyerly came to Atlanta after serving as Director of Houston Water, the largest city-managed utility in the country, where he oversaw everything from wastewater treatment plants to a $3.7 billion water purification project. His journey began more than 30 years ago as a front-line utility operator, giving him a hands-on perspective that continues to shape his leadership style today.
“Atlanta’s infrastructure is critical to our city’s continued growth and prosperity,” Mayor Dickens said at the time of the appointment. “Gregory’s proven expertise in public works and water infrastructure positions him ideally to lead this essential transformation, ensuring a sustainable and reliable future for Atlanta.”
For outgoing Commissioner Al Wiggins, Jr., the transition was a moment of celebration rather than goodbye. Wiggins moved into a new role as Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer, where he now coordinates major infrastructure and beautification projects in preparation for global events like the Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Looking ahead, residents can expect to see Eyerly’s impact in the form of continued investments in water reliability, smart technologies, and improvements that benefit families and businesses across Atlanta. His appointment back in March set the stage for the work underway now—ensuring that Atlanta’s water systems are not just maintained, but strengthened for the future.
