Mr. Bennett is a graduate of the University of Akron with a Bachelors in Science in Civil Engineering. Prior to becoming Stark County Engineer, he worked in private practice for 25 years concentrating on transportation engineering, including highway and bridge design. He served as President and Chief Financial Officer for Hammontree & Associates, Limited of North Canton, Ohio, a civil engineering, surveying and planning firm. His main focus during that time included working with various state, county and local agencies in the design and inspection of bridges and roadways. He served as lead design engineer and project manager on numerous bridge projects throughout Ohio including the Dressler Road / Hall of Fame Bridge over Interstate 77 in Stark County. He has also overseen Countywide Bridge Inspection Programs for several counties in eastern Ohio that included the annual inspection of over 1500 bridges. He also has significant design experience in the design of water distribution systems, pump stations and water storage facilities.
Besides his specific project management experience, he has been involved in the day to day operation of Hammontree & Associates. He served as the Chief Financial Officer for over eight years being involved in the corporate financial accounting of the firm including overseeing accounts payable, receivables, general ledgers, and cost accounting issues. He was also responsible for the administration of the firm's employee benefits including healthcare and the employee defined benefit plans. In his role as President, he gained experience in the day to day firm management, corporate strategic planning, and human resources for the 50 plus employee firm. He is a registered Professional Engineer and Surveyor in Ohio.
His many volunteer efforts have been concentrated in community service and professional development. He served as Chairman of the Ribs Burnoff and in charge of facilities for the Balloon Classic for the Professional Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. He is a board member of the Canton Palace Theatre Association. He is a board member of the Cuyahoga Valley Section of the American Society of Highway Engineers and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Mr. Bennett has been involved in the fields of civil engineering and surveying since high school, working for his father on surveying crews during the summers. He and his father have the distinction of being one of a few father / son teams to serve as County Engineers at the same time. His father, Fred Bennett, was County Engineer in Belmont County, Ohio for 40 years.
Mr. Bennett has been a resident of Stark County for 29 years and currently resides in North Canton with his wife, Barbara, and two children.