Dr. Cody M. Whittenburg has taken the helm of the City's Environmental Services Department after serving in an interim capacity since September last year. Whittenburg, whose background includes significant tenures in municipal environmental management, steps into the director's role with the promise of utilizing his expertise to enhance services for the community, according to the City of Fort Worth.

Assistant City Manager Valerie Washington praised the new director's performance and potential. "During his years in Fort Worth, we have found Cody to be extremely service-focused and energetic, with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to strengthen community wellbeing and to create high-impact outcomes for our residents," Washington said, as per the City of Fort Worth. Whittenburg's previous experience as assistant director of Fort Worth's Code Compliance Department and his stint as environmental manager are seen by many as valuable assets to his new position.

Apart from his strong foundation in environmental health services, Whittenburg has a history of handling stormwater and environmental administration in Oklahoma's municipal governments. His academic credentials include a doctor of philosophy degree in civil engineering and a master of science degree in environmental science, from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, respectively.

In his time as interim director, Whittenburg led the department which amalgamated environmental quality, health, and solid waste services into one umbrella, a strategic move aimed at bolstering environmental policies and programs across the city. The Environmental Services Department, which came into being in 2023, is actively involved in safeguarding public health and the city's natural resources, with a focus on sustainable practices. Teams are committed to environmental stewardship practices and behaviors through compliance, pollution prevention, sustainability, recycling, and reuse according to the department's founding principles.

Residents of the city can look forward to an improved quality of life with Whittenburg at the Environmental Services Department's helm. The department's initiatives in litter prevention, waste management, and public education endeavor to create a cleaner, safer, and greener city landscape. Engaging the community through services, technical guidance, and volunteer opportunities are amongst how the department aims to achieve its city goals, as highlighted in the City of Fort Worth.