Mauldin Hires New Public Works Director

Mauldin has hired a new public works director, months after the former director was arrested and charged with kidnapping.

The new hire is Michael Lambert, who currently serves as the public works director of Albemarle, a city of approximately 16,300 in North Carolina. Lambert comes to Mauldin with nearly 20 years of municipal experience, according to his resume.

Lambert, whose salary range as director will be $58,668 to $88,002, will start work April 29, city administrator Trey Eubanks told Patch.

Fincher allegedly detained a 21-year-old woman who had shown up at the Public Works Department after hours for a job interview. Fincher, reportedly drinking at the time, allegedly held the women there against her will until she was able to flee over an eight-foot chain link fence surrounding the property.

leaving oversight of the department to Mauldin fire chief and assistant city administrator Russell Sapp.

Lambert's hire will hopefully help settle a department that has been in deep turmoil, said a public works' employee who declined to give his name.

Eubanks said Lambert rose to the top of potential hires during a selection process that included interviews with a panel consisting of Council members and area public works staff.

"Mike’s vast public works experience and strong leadership skills became evident early in the selection process," Eubanks said.

Lambert has been Albemarle's public works director since 2005. Prior to that, he served in many other official capacities with the city since 1984, including streets superintendent, special projects officer, chief contract inspector, engineering technician, as well as a draftsman and surveying technician with the city. Lambert also is a past chairman of the Stanly County (N.C.) Planning Board.

That range of experience should benefit Lambert as he assumes command of the department. Mauldin's public works is one department, but with five distinct divisions — Streets, Sewer, Sanitation, Building Maintenance, and Parks & Grounds. 

"Integrity, a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a commitment to his community are characteristics Mike possesses that will serve us well," Eubanks said. "I look forward to Mike joining our leadership team and am confident his contributions will promote our city's commitment to maintaining the high level of public works service that our citizens expect and deserve."