BUCKHANNON — Mayor Robbie Skinner recently announced that Ethan Crosten, the current Superintendent of Buckhannon’s Sanitary Sewer Department, has been selected as the city’s next Director of Public Works. Crosten will work closely with the current Director of Public Works, Jerry Arnold, until Arnold’s retirement in a few months.

Ethan Crosten is a 2021 graduate of Fairmont State University with a degree in Geomatics Engineering, graduating cum laude from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology program. He will complete his Master of Business Administration through Louisiana State University in October of this year. His certifications include being a Certified Floodplain Manager through the Association of State Floodplain Managers, a Surveyor in Training through the West Virginia Board of Professional Surveyors, and a Class III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator through the West Virginia Division of Health and Human Resources. Crosten has been working with the City of Buckhannon since 2021.

In 2016, the City of Buckhannon appointed Jerry Arnold as the Director of Public Works, a role he has fulfilled with exceptional dedication and skill. His efforts have significantly contributed to the continuity and efficiency of all the various departments that make Buckhannon the success it is. Arnold was hired as a garbage collector in 1993 and eventually promoted to superintendent of streets. He held that position until 2016 when the council named him Director of Public Works.

In making the announcement at a recent City Council meeting, Mayor Skinner noted that Jerry Arnold will be retiring from the organization after a very long and successful career. Skinner attributed the positive feelings residents have about the City of Buckhannon to Arnold and the various crews of the city.

“It’s not because of us (council members) sitting here; it’s because of Jerry (Arnold) and Amby (Jenkins, Director of Finance and Administration) and all of our employees – they make us the special place that we are,” Skinner added. “All of the events that we have throughout the year would not happen without Jerry Arnold, and so although we really are going to be very sad to lose Jerry on the employment side, we know he’ll still be a resident here and still be part of our community.”

As for the newly named Director of Public Works, Ethan Crosten, Mayor Skinner stated, “He and his wife have chosen to make Buckhannon their home. He has matured and grown into the supervisory position at the Sanitary Department. He has learned every possible aspect of that part of our city and is looking forward to learning about the rest of the departments and how everything fits together, so please welcome Ethan Crosten as our new public works director.”

Ethan Crosten, who attended the council meeting, stated, “I’ve enjoyed working for the city, and I look forward to trying to improve it further and building on what Jerry has accomplished.”