#4: Hometown Hard News

 

Hometown Hard News

A recent article from the Nashville News Leader highlights the return of a Nashville native to his hometown. Jonathan Roquet, 35, has been hired as the City of Nashville's new Public Works Director. Roquet officially began his new position on September 8th after being hired during a special Nashville City Council meeting on September 3rd.

Roquet is a 2009 graduate of Nashville High School and has spent the past 15 years working in the railroad industry. During his career, he worked as a general manager and train master for several short line and regional railroad companies. His most recent position was based in De Queen, which required him to travel frequently and spend a lot of time away from his wife and young daughter.

One of the most interesting parts of this article is Roquet's decision to return home. He described the new position as a "new chapter" in his life and said he wanted to give back to the city that has given him so much. He also wanted to be closer to his family and raise his daughter in the same community he grew up in. Even though being a Public Works Director is a new career path for him, Roquet believes his previous experience managing crews and setting expectations will help him succeed in the position.

Overall, this article is an interesting example of someone returning to their hometown to begin a new chapter in their career. Roquet is bringing 15 years of work experience with him while also taking on new responsibilities for the City of Nashville. He will need to obtain a Class 3 water license and spend time getting to know his new crew, so this position will give him an opportunity to learn while also serving the community he grew up in.