Oxford County announces new Director of Public Works

Melissa Abercrombie assumes Public Works leadership role on February 10

Oxford County CAO Ben Addley today announced the appointment of Melissa Abercrombie as Director of Public Works, effective February 10, 2025, following an extensive recruitment process.

Abercrombie, who currently serves as Senior Manager of Engineering Services, joined Oxford County in 2006 as a project engineer. She moved into a management role in Public Works in 2014, overseeing roads, fleet and facilities, then assumed her current role in 2017, in which she is responsible for capital investment, maintenance and energy performance for Oxford County’s more than 300 buildings and over 150 vehicles and equipment. In this role, Abercrombie oversees the County’s capital construction program, environmental compliance approvals, and engineering services.

Abercrombie holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science in Civil Engineering from Western University and a Project Management Professional certification. She is an active member of several professional public sector and engineering associations, and currently serves as a board member of Good Roads and the Municipal Engineer Association representative on the Association of Ontario Roads Supervisors Certification Board.

As Director of Public Works, Abercrombie assumes oversight and strategic planning for Oxford County’s construction and engineering services, facilities, energy management, roads and transportation, waste management, and water and wastewater services. This encompasses $125 million in capital projects in 2025, as well as furthering the County Strategic Plan goals to preserve and enhance the natural environment and mitigate climate change impacts.

Comment

Ben Addley, CAO, Oxford County

“With the rapid growth we are experiencing in Oxford County, our goal through this recruitment was to appoint a leader who understands the increasing demands on our infrastructure, is aligned to our goals for progressive government and environmental sustainability, and who will continue to further our key partnerships. Melissa’s long-standing career at the County presented us with numerous examples of her knowledge, leadership and innovation.”

Melissa Abercrombie, Incoming Director, Public Works

“Oxford County is at a pivotal stage in building its communities and planning for its future. As director, I am committed to understanding how we can best serve our residents when it comes to our core public works services, and I look forward to continuing this work alongside our municipal partners and very dedicated staff team.”