Feb. 16-22, 2025, is Engineers Week. Join us as we spotlight some of the people behind the design, construction, and record-keeping of our city's streets, bridges, and water and sewer systems.
Meet Melissa Whitcomb! A graduate of Pennfield High School, Melissa is an engineering project coordinator for the City of Battle Creek. She oversees the engineering and technical design for various infrastructure projects and road treatments. Melissa serves on the Southwest Michigan Board of the American Public Works Association, is a member of the American Water Works Association, and holds a Storm Water Operator License from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
What are your primary job responsibilities?
I manage communication and coordination among neighbors, internal employees, contractors, utility owners, and City of Battle Creek departments. I also supervise project schedules, budgets, and communications with stakeholders.
What’s the best part of your job?
Knowing that I’m making a difference in the community that I grew up in and that my children are growing up in.
What’s a recent project that gave you a great sense of accomplishment? What made it special?
Our Lead Service Replacement project is very near and dear to my heart. I started working on this project before I was in the engineering division, after the Flint Water Crisis. Finally seeing it play out and come full circle makes me very proud of all the work I’ve put in over the years. Getting lead pipes out of the ground and being able to say we have no lead pipes in the City of Battle Creek will be one of my major accomplishments when I can retire (many years from now!)
What emerging technologies are you most excited about, and how do you see them impacting your work?
I love data and records, but it has been challenging over the years to find technology that is both easy to use and inclusive, no matter your work experience, age, or college degree. Programs that are geared for everyone, easy to understand, and only need a cellphone to access are the kinds of technology that I love. It enables our people in the field to be able to provide accurate, real-time results without any confusion or handwriting that we can’t read, just to name a few examples. I can’t imagine where technology will be 10 years from now; I’m excited!
What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not working?
I like to read, cook, and play with my kids. My husband and I also love to travel and see new places.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be and why?
Weather modification - so we could do construction all year long!
How do you see the theme "Design Your Future" reflected in your daily work and the projects you undertake? Can you share a specific example?
Every day we work on accomplishing a task or goal, which is all part of the larger goal of building a better community that we can be proud to call home. Almost every day we talk to neighbors about what steps they or we are taking to eliminate lead pipes in the ground. It’s all part of our long-term goal of our Getting the Lead Out program, which is generally focused on many disadvantaged communities in our city.
What skills and qualities do you think are essential for someone in your position?
Having great communication skills, being laid back to a point (since projects rarely go the way you think they will and we have to be open and ready for change, even at the drop of a hat), working well with others (I wouldn’t be where I am today without our Engineering team, as we all support each other and work together to get the job done.)
What advice would you give to young aspiring engineers who want to make a difference in the Battle Creek community?
Don’t give up, it’s worth it in the end! Engineering is a field that will always have jobs available, no matter what.