Meet Edward Adcock- Vicksburg’s new Public Works Director

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg’s Mayor Willis Thompson swore in Edward Adcock as the city’s new Public Works Director at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting held Monday, Aug. 10.

Adcock is a native of Vicksburg and grew up in the River City. He is a graduate of Warren Central High School and went on to attend Mississippi State University where he studied engineering.

Following college, he began working for the Mississippi Power and Light Company- now known as Entergy- and was part of the group to construct the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Station. Eventually, Adcock took a job with the Waterways Experiment Station which later became the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. He worked in the public works department for 17 years earning promotions from design engineer to Chief of Engineering.

Adcock’s role changed when he became a Research and Development Engineer. He held that title for two years before branching out and going into the private sector for around seven years. He eventually rejoined the Corp of Engineers and worked in the flood control and hydro power division. Again he working his way up the ranks once again earning the designation of Chief.

In 2022, he was ready to retire, but a colleague in Memphis called to recruit him. He worked for 17 months from the luxury of his home as a program engineer for the Channel Improvement Program. Finally, in July of 2023, Adcock retired.

But his wasn’t done working yet. Adcock earned his commercial general contractor’s license and set about running his own business. He ran the business for two years before deciding it was time to retire again.

However, Adcock said when he saw the Public Works Director position announced by the City, he decided he wanted to apply.

“So I applied, and here I am,” said Adcock. “Actually, it is pretty wonderful to have this kind of opportunity.”

The new Public Works Director said the city has several big projects on the books, and he is actively learning more about the projects. Currently, he said his focus is on building a team.

“There’s always room for improvement, and that’s what we’re focused on right now. I’m talking to every individual in the department to see if they have any suggestions about how to make things better, but mainly, we are building a team,” said Adcock.

Adcock is married to his wife, Sandra, of 44 years. The couple has two children and four grandchildren.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Mayor and Aldermen for the opportunity. And I also want to thank the citizens of Vicksburg for giving me a chance to serve them and this city,” said Adcock.

If anyone would like to send messages or report issues, Adcock advised residents to use the City’s Action Line at 601-801-3411.