News Release

Derrick Coaxum Named Director of Facilities Management

June 21, 2024

The Town of Hilton Head Island welcomes Derrick Coaxum as its Director of Facilities Management. Coaxum began in the role on June 10 and is responsible for the overall management of Town properties, facilities, parks, beaches, public services, and special events, ensuring optimal asset management, maintenance, operations, and service delivery.

Coaxum brings over 25 years of experience to his new position, including an extensive tenure with the Town of Hilton Head Island, where he began working as a Facilities Technician in 1999 and rose to Assistant Facilities Manager 10 years later. He is adept in facilities management and maintenance, program management, project coordination, process improvement, finance administration, and team leadership.

"We are delighted to have Derrick return to the Town and join our leadership team as Facilities Director. His previous work with us has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the community and a commitment to maintaining our parks, facilities, and other Town properties with excellence," Town Manager Marc Orlando said.  "I have worked closely with Derrick in prior roles, so I know he will be a valuable addition to our team."

Throughout his career on Hilton Head Island, Coaxum successfully oversaw numerous projects, including the construction of Jarvis Creek, Veterans' Memorial, Coligny Beach, Baker Field Expansion, Chaplin Community, Fish Haul Beach, Bristol Sports Arena and Historic Mitchelville parks. He also managed the design and construction of several fire stations that serve Island neighborhoods. Furthermore, he supervised work on the Cross Island Parkway, the installation of sewer lines along Muddy Creek Road and other communities in Ward I, and the development of pathways throughout the Island.

Before working for the Town, Coaxum was employed with the Beaufort County Engineering Department. Most recently, he was Director of Public Services for the Town of Bluffton, where he revamped the public works department over the past six years. Additionally, Coaxum managed Bluffton’s capital improvement projects. He oversaw the maintenance and management of all Town properties, including directing activities involved in the upkeep and repair of Town buildings and property such as sidewalks and pathways, parks, and roadway landscapes.

"I am proud to return to Hilton Head Island, where I helped to create and maintain beautiful places for residents and visitors to play and enjoy. I look forward to being a part of this great organization again, reconnecting with community residents and stakeholders, and working with the facilities team to continue developing and maintaining our Town’s parks and other facilities," Coaxum said.

A native of St. Helena Island, Coaxum graduated from the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) with an associate degree in civil engineering. He was awarded TCL's Presidential Medallion for his achievements and contributions to the TCL Foundation, of which he served as a member. In the spirit of giving back to the community, Coaxum has served with the Citizen-Led Oversight Committee for the Beaufort County School District, United Way of the Lowcountry, and the Lands’ End Woodland Corporation, which focuses on preserving property on the Lands End Woodland Beach on St. Helena Island.

In his personal time, Coaxum enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family. He will be based at the Town’s Facilities Management office at 12A Gateway Circle and is readily accessible via email at DerrickC@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.