NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – A familiar face will be guiding New Hanover County Engineering starting Tuesday, June 13. Tim Lowe, the current Chief Project Engineer for Stormwater Services with the county, has been chosen to take over as County Engineer following the retirement of long-time County Engineer Jim Iannucci.
“Over the last several years, Tim has been a valuable asset for our Stormwater Services team and has helped build this new program to address drainage issues and reduce flood risks in the unincorporated areas of the county,” said County Manager Chris Coudriet. “He has worked alongside Jim, who has had a phenomenal career with New Hanover County for nearly 18 years. We’re grateful for how Jim has helped shape New Hanover County engineering, erosion control, stormwater, and shore protection for nearly two decades, and we’re excited to see how the department grows and continues to expand its good work under Tim's leadership.”
A Carteret County native, Lowe came to New Hanover County in 2016, working as a Senior Project Engineer with the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization before joining the county team in 2017. He also worked as an engineer in the private sector for two years before coming back to the county to serve in his current role. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in civil engineering and has almost two decades of experience working in the field.
During his time with New Hanover County, Lowe spearheaded efforts to manage grant funding that was used to clear hurricane debris from approximately 60 miles of creeks throughout the county. Since 2020, he has overseen the creation and day-to-day operations of the Stormwater Services team staff and equipment, assisted in budget decisions regarding projects and helped set the strategy for the program, ensuring a data-focused approach for the greatest impact in the community. In the nearly three years since the program was created, the Stormwater Services team has completed maintenance on approximately 120 miles of ditches and creeks in the unincorporated portions of the county, replaced more than one mile of pipes, and constructed or are in the process of constructing 12 capital projects.
“I’m excited to continue my career with New Hanover County and thankful for the confidence in me to lead our talented Engineering team,” Lowe said. “Our work has become even more important and impactful over the years, helping to address flooding hazards, ensuring education around best practices and permit requirements, and much more. I’m looking forward to continuing those efforts and remaining innovative and strategic in our work on behalf of the community.”
The New Hanover County Engineering Department provides a range of engineering, shore protection, stormwater, sediment and erosion control, and project management services throughout the county. Learn more about the department here.