HOUSTON – Harris County Commissioners Court on Thursday unanimously appointed Marcus Stuckett as the new executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District, making him the first African American to lead the agency.
The appointment comes two weeks after former Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen resigned amid concerns over delays tied to federally funded flood mitigation projects and questions about meeting key spending deadlines.
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In a statement following the vote, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones praised Stuckett’s experience and emphasized the importance of keeping flood control projects on track.
“We’re making a bet that a change in Flood Control leadership will result in clearer communication with both Commissioners Court and the residents, so this is the best path forward for us to be able to get these projects back on track. I look forward to working with Director Stuckett to get these projects done as soon as possible for the community,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo.
“Today, Harris County Commissioners Court made history by unanimously appointing Marcus Stuckett as our new Flood Control District Executive Director. He will be the first African American to serve in this crucial role,” Briones said.
Briones said Stuckett brings more than two decades of experience delivering major flood control projects throughout the region and is prepared to lead the district at a critical time.
“Nothing is more important than keeping our families safe from flooding, and I look forward to working with Stuckett and our dedicated team to do just that,” she said.
According to reports, Stuckett previously served in several leadership roles at the Flood Control District, including engineering division director and watershed management department manager. Most recently, he worked in the private sector after leaving the agency in 2022.
“Members of Court who have abandoned the process of engaging in a nationwide search have put Mr. Stuckett in a difficult situation with looming GLO deadlines. Nonetheless, there’s too much at risk not to do all that I can to ensure Mr. Stuckett’s success,” stated Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Harris County Precinct Two.
The leadership transition comes as Harris County continues to advance a historic number of flood mitigation projects while facing pressure to meet deadlines associated with Hurricane Harvey recovery funding. County officials have said more flood control projects are currently underway than at any point in the district’s history.
Briones said the county has also made unprecedented investments in infrastructure maintenance and must continue working with federal, state and community partners to deliver projects designed to protect homes and reduce flood risk.
“While our Flood Control District has a new leader today, my focus remains the same: relentlessly delivering protection to the people of Harris County,” Briones said.
Stuckett’s appointment follows Petersen’s resignation on June 11. Petersen, who became the first woman to lead the Flood Control District in 2022, stepped down as county leaders scrutinized project delays and the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal flood mitigation funding.
“I am honored by the confidence placed in me by Commissioners Court and Administrator Carter,” Stuckett said. “The Harris County Flood Control District has a long history of protecting residents from flooding through innovative engineering, strong partnerships, and responsible stewardship of public resources. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated employees, community partners, and elected officials to continue delivering projects that reduce flood risk and improve quality of life for Harris County residents.”