by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Alan Mosley takes a unique approach when it comes to his job. The new director of the City’s Public Works Department, Mosley sees himself as more of a coach than a taskmaster.
“I think that’s a pretty good way to put it,” said Mosley. “I’d rather be a mentor to the people I work with because, deep down, I think everyone has a desire to be something great.”
Mosley, a Jacksonville native who graduated from Jacksonville University, makes a return to the City after a seven-year hiatus.
For more than 20 years, Mosley worked his way through various posts at City Hall under mayors Jake Godbold, Tommy Hazouri, Ed Austin and John Delaney.
“I actually started working for the City when I was still in high school,” he said. “I was a blue print operator. I really liked what I saw, so after I graduated I returned to take an entry level position and eventually advanced to a point where I was asked to take a few leadership roles.”
Those roles included chief of the City’s Engineering Division, his final post before he retired in 1997.
Until recently he was was president of his own engineering firm, Kloss, Mosley & Associates, Inc.
“I wanted to try going out on my own and I’ve really enjoyed the work I’ve been able to do,” said Mosley. “But coming back to the City just felt like the right fit for me.”
Also a good fit for Mosley: working for Mayor John Peyton.
Mosley said he was honored to serve under some of the city’s most memorable leaders, but the prospect of working for Peyton was among his most exciting opportunities.
“Even after I left government work,” said Mosley, “I remained an active observer. I have to say that I’ve been very impressed with Mayor Peyton’s work. He’s had to make some difficult decisions and I admire him for that.”
Mosley’s admiration for Peyton, coupled with a growing desire to apply for the Public Works director’s job, made the idea of leaving the private sector an obvious choice.
“The more I thought about it, the more thought it was something I wanted, something I knew I need to pursue,” he said. “And as soon as the interview process began, my passion for the job started to grow.”
His passion may have grown, but soon the 90-day barrage of interviews took its toll on Mosley, eventually leading to a few sleepless nights.
“My nerves were getting the best of me,” he said, “especially when I knew they were going to be making an announcement shortly. The clock was ticking and I felt the pressure.”
The announcement finally came, and just as Mosley hoped, he was the City’s top choice to take over for outgoing director Lynn Westbrook.
“I can’t wait to get started. I can’t wait to work with all of the great people in our government right now,” he said. “These are the people who are truly connected to our community and want to make the community a better place for everyone. We’re going to work together to raise the quality of life.”
Mosley’s first day is Jan. 3 and he said he’s more than ready for it.
“I am. I definitely am,” he said. “I’ve already told my kids, Carly, Morgan and Nicholas, all about it. They don’t exactly understand what I do, but they know I’m proud to do it.”