McCann to retire after nearly 35 years with DOT

After serving the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT) for nearly 35 years, 11th Division Engineer Carl McCann will retire Sept. 1. McCann, who will be 60 in September, said he wanted to retire now because he and his wife, the former Linda Barnette, "have a lot of things we want to do this fall."

The McCann's and some of their friends are planning a three-week trip soon out West. They plan to visit Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Utah and Montana.

As division engineer, McCann oversees eight counties for DOT which are, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin. He's been in this position for almost four years.

Prior to this position, McCann was a construction engineer for DOT for six months. Before this position, he served as an operations engineer for almost nine years. McCann began his career with the DOT in 1970 as a traffic engineer.

In May 1966, McCann, who was working full-time in Raleigh at the time, was drafted into the Army. He completed Army basic training at Fort Jackson in Mississippi, then was assigned to an Army post in New Jersey. After completing training in New Jersey, McCann was assigned to a company at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville. His unit was later deployed to Vietnam where he served one tour. McCann completed his enlistment in the Army and was discharged as a SPC5, or sergeant.

After Vietnam, McCann went back to school full-time at N.C. State to complete a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He was also working part-time with the DOT while in school.

As a division engineer, McCann said one of his main priorities is monitoring the budget to "make sure we have all our programs going and make sure our construction projects are on time." He also handles complaints and personnel matters.

As part of monitoring operations in eight counties, McCann oversees three district offices, which are located in Elkin, North Wilkesboro and Boone. Correction Last week's article about the Blue Ridge Business Development Center (BDC) grand opening stated that the gathering took place Aug. 24. The event was actually held July 24.

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