Fentress County Executive Jacob Rosenbaum appointing Donovan Garrett as the new Fentress County Solid Waste Director.
Rosenbaum said the selection process involved 12 quality applicants and five final interviews to fill the leadership role. Garrett has spent more than 11 years within the department and most recently served in two separate supervisory capacities.
“We felt that Donovan had the most experience and the best qualifications for the job, and so I appointed him, and that appointment was confirmed by the County Commission during our meeting on Monday night, October the 19th,” Rosenbaum said.
Rosenbaum said Garrett previously managed the woodyard, which serves as the primary solid waste site for the county. Garrett also oversaw the truck drivers and all tipping trucks used in daily operations.
“He started sort of at the bottom of the totem pole, and he’s worked his way all the way up,” Rosenbaum said.
Garrett must now decide whether to hire one or two people to replace him in his former supervisory roles, Rosenbaum said. The new director is also required to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all county equipment and personnel to ensure accountability during the leadership transition.
“I made it clear to him that for my part, and speaking for the County Commission, that we were interested in hiring someone who not only knew how to operate Solid Waste, but who was ready and able to move that department forward and make it better than they found it,” Rosenbaum said. “And he assured us that he was that person, and we’re putting our trust in him and giving him the opportunity to lead.”
Rosenbaum said the department manages multiple centers across nearly 500 square miles. The director is also responsible for administrative duties including grant writing and the development of the department budget.
“Solid Waste is a challenging department,” Rosenbaum said. “You’re required to provide the service, and we’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth here in Fentress County.”
Rosenbaum said the county has struggled for several years to ensure current facilities keep pace with local population growth. He said the department represents a significant portion of the total county budget and faces constant incidental expenses from aging equipment.
“He’s familiar with every piece of equipment there, every person who works there,” Rosenbaum said. “He knows what’s working, what’s not working.”
Rosenbaum said Garrett already provided an assessment of which trucks are in good condition and which will likely require replacement next year. Having a director with an existing understanding of the machinery provides a distinct advantage during the upcoming budget cycle.