Mobile-based Volkert Engineering on Monday announced that George Talbot will serve as the company’s director of Governmental & External Affairs for the Gulf East region.
In that role, Talbot will be responsible for developing and managing business relationships, according to a release.
He comes to Volkert from the City of Mobile, where he has served as executive director of Communications and External Affairs since joining Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s administration upon taking office in 2013.
“We are excited to have George joining our team,” stated Volkert CEO and chairman David Allsbrook. “George is exactly the person we have been looking for to develop our existing relationships and create new opportunities. George has an excellent understanding of business messaging, economic development, governmental operations and politics. His addition to our team is an excellent opportunity for Volkert and our clients.”
Talbot previously served as political editor for the Mobile-Press Register while also covering business and economic development.
“I am honored to join a great company and a talented leadership team at Volkert,” Talbot said in a statement.
“Working with Mayor Stimpson and our team at City Hall has been the experience of a lifetime,” he continued. “I am proud of the accomplishments we’ve made and the relationships we’ve built. I am excited to continue that work in planning for the next generation of infrastructure improvements, something of significant importance in our nation’s growth.”
Mayor Stimpson reacted to Talbot’s departure on social media.
“I want to thank George for his dedication and service to the citizens of Mobile. His integrity, dependability and work ethic have been a great resource to my Administration since we took office,” the Mobile mayor tweeted. “George will be missed and we wish him well as he takes this next step.”
A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Talbot is a graduate of Rhodes College. He is also a graduate of Leadership Alabama and Harvard University’s Executive Education program.
South Alabama-headquartered Volkert has had a part in some of the most significant infrastructure projects in the United States since the 20th century. From designing the longest continuous bridge over water, an achievement for which Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain Causeway still holds the world record, to planning much of the nation’s interstate system, the company is a national leader in the field. With over 1,100 employees in more than 40 offices, Volkert is one of our country’s top civil engineering firms and is consistently ranked among the top 100 design firms across the nation by Engineering News-Record.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn