Chris Hawkins, P.E.
Brandon,MS
Summary
Dedicated Professional Engineer with extensive experience in water resource management, environmental compliance, and staff development. Proven track record in overseeing permitting programs and ensuring regulatory compliance, contributing to significant advancements in environmental protection.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Division Director
MS Department Of Environmental Quality
Jackson, MS
12.2014 - Current
- Managed the daily operations of the Permitting, Certification, and Compliance Division within the Office of Land and Water Resources (OLWR).
- Oversaw staff recruitment, training, performance management, and development activities.
- Led the Permitting Program, ensuring that all groundwater and surface water withdrawal permit applications were complete, and that permits were issued in a timely manner.
- Led the Water Well Contractors Certification and Licensing Program.
- Directed the Compliance and Enforcement Program, ensuring all MS statutes and regulations were enforced within the OLWR.
- Directed the State Water-Use Program and the Voluntary Metering Program in the MS Delta.
- Coordinated with internal departments, other state agencies, and industry to site and promote economic development projects within Mississippi.
- Served as the OLWR designee on the Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board (Vice Chair - 2024-2025, Chair - 2025-present).
Environmental Engineer
MS Department Of Environmental Quality
Jackson, Mississippi
03.1999 - 12.2014
- Remedial Project Manager in the Groundwater Assessment and Remediation Division of the Office of Pollution Control.
- Applied engineering principles and practices to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations, while providing management and oversight of contaminated sites' assessment and redevelopment.
- Provided oversight during field investigations, including groundwater, surface water, and soil sampling, as well as the implementation of remedial action plans.
- Served as a member of MDEQ's response team during the BP oil spill.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Engineering
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS12-1998
Skills
- Water resource management
- Environmental compliance
- Staff development
- Regulatory knowledge
- Project oversight
- Permit administration
- Economic development
- Team management
- Strategic planning
- Relationship building
- Meetings and presentations
- Stakeholder engagement
- Effective communication
- Leadership skills
Certification
- Professional Engineering License #17089
- 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification
Affiliations
- 2021 President Mississippi State University Alumni Association - Central MS Chapter
- 2022 Ridge Thomason Award - Presented by the MSU Alumni Association for outstanding dedicated service
Timeline
Division Director
MS Department Of Environmental Quality
12.2014 - Current
Environmental Engineer
MS Department Of Environmental Quality
03.1999 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Biological Engineering
Mississippi State University
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