News Flash

DURHAM, N.C. – City Manager Tom Bonfield has named Jina Bowman Propst as the new director of the City of Durham General Services Department.

Propst, who has served as the acting director of the department since July 2019, brings to her newly appointed role knowledge and experience gained from increasing leadership positions with the City since she joined the organization in 2005.

As director, Propst will be responsible for leading a department of 124 employees and managing a more than $14 million annual budget. The General Services Department’s core functions include the acquisition and sale of properties; design and management of new construction and renovation projects; building maintenance; landscaping and urban forestry services; cemeteries management; sustainability and energy management; cultural and public art program management; and supporting the nonprofit Keep Durham Beautiful.

“After conducting a nationwide search, we’re fortunate that the most qualified person for this important position was already on our team,” said City Manager Tom Bonfield. “Jina has made significant contributions to our organization during her 14 years with the City, and we look forward to her applying those talents in this new role. Jina’s expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication to delivering high-quality projects are a great match for the City’s values, and serve as an excellent example for the staff of General Services.”

Prior to her appointment as director and acting director, Propst served as the assistant director for Project Delivery and Sustainability with the General Services Department since 2013. In this position, she was responsible for management and oversight of the department’s Project Management Division; Real Estate Division; Arts, Culture and Sustainable Communities Division; and Energy Management Division. Propst was also tasked with oversight of the City’s $170 million capital improvement program, maintenance and replacement program, and city-wide real estate activities among others responsibilities, while also providing leadership and management oversight of community facilities, including the Durham Convention Center and the award-winning Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).

Propst’s additional experience with the City includes serving as senior advisor to the director of the General Services Department from 2008 to 2013, acting project management team leader for the department from 2007 to 2008, and as an operations/evaluations administrator for the department from 2005 to 2007.

Prior to her service with the City, Propst practiced construction law from 1998 to 2005 representing, owners, contractors, and subcontractors in North Carolina state and federal court.

Propst is a graduate of Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law as well as Wake Forest University. Propst completed the UNC School of Government Municipal and County Administration program in 2015, and is a member of various professional associations, including the Campbell Law Alumni Association and the North Carolina Bar Association.

She succeeds Steven Hicks, who resigned as director of the City’s General Services Department in July 2019. Propst’s appointment is effective immediately.

About the City of Durham General Services Department

The General Services Department builds and maintains City properties to make Durham a great place for people to live, work, and play. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department’s core functions include the acquisition and sale of properties, design and management of new construction and renovation projects, building maintenance, landscaping and urban forestry services, cemeteries management, sustainability and energy management, cultural and public art program management, and supporting the nonprofit Keep Durham Beautiful.