Julie McLean, P.E., CFM, F.ASCE, the city engineer and senior director of development services for the city of Savannah, Georgia, has been named a fellow by the ASCE Board of Direction.
McLean has 36 years of civil engineering experience, including 22 years as a public servant in Savannah. Her extensive background covers civil engineering design, construction, and management, with notable achievements in both public and private sectors.
At the City of Savannah, McLean has managed and overseen public infrastructure and building construction projects totaling over $150 million, and directed building permitting and inspections for public and private development projects exceeding $7.4 billion.
She currently leads the City's Development Services Department. The department is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the codes, laws, and ordinances that affect the safety and welfare of the public. This encompasses all aspects of building construction, including life safety, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. The department also enforces the City’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and administers FEMA's Community Rating System program. McLean is deeply committed to ensuring public safety and fostering a safer, more resilient Savannah.
Since joining the City’s Development Services Department in 2012, she has led her team through significant challenges. Upon her arrival, she managed a team reduced to recession-level staffing and implemented technological and process improvements to handle record levels of postrecession building construction activity. When the pandemic struck in 2020, she directed a transition to fully digital processes, including digital plan reviews, allowing the department to continue providing high levels of service to the community while maintaining safety, despite having to close physical doors to the public. McLean is also proud of creating a diverse, positive work environment where employees are valued and respected.
In 2002, McLean was the first female professional engineer hired by the City of Savannah. When she was promoted to City Engineer in 2012, she became the first female to hold that position since it was created in 1890.
