County Public Works Director Weston S. Young was named to a new post on Wednesday -- he will become Wicomico County's Assistant Director of Administration.

Young, a professional engineer, has headed Public Works since early in County Executive Bob Culver’s first term.

The assistant administrator’s post has been vacant since Sharon Morris retired in April 2015.

Young’s appointment to the role is seen as especially important, since Culver has spoken often about the importance of succession planning.

Though Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg is approaching retirement eligibility, his departure is by no means imminent.

Young’s appointment positions him to potentially succeed Strausburg in the top administrative role within the Executive’s Office. The learning curve in the top positions, however, is considered to be both significant and lengthy.

In making the announcement, Culver praised Young’s management of the $8 million Morris Mill water tank and distribution line project, which addressed well-water contamination issues in the southeastern portion of the county.

Culver also touted Young’s long-term solution that addressed the handling of dredge spoil in the Wicomico River, as well as his efforts to put the county’s Solid Waste Division on stronger financial footing.

Young is known throughout county government for his serious nature and knowledge of details. In public forums with the County Council, he portrays an image of being well-prepared and well versed on state agency regulations.

He attended the University of Maryland in College Park, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2005. He is a Professional Engineer licensed in Maryland and Virginia.