Houston hires Oluwole "O.J." McFoy as new city engineer

Career history

McFoy’s previous roles in Buffalo had its share of controversies.

In 2023, the Buffalo Water Board under McFoy’s leadership was involved in a class-action lawsuit for failing to fluoridate Buffalo's water for nine years.

According to the lawsuit, city officials quietly stopped adding fluoride to Buffalo’s water supply in 2015, without notifying the community. Fluoride in water benefits communities as it prevents cavities and reduces oral health disparities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. McFoy restored fluoride to the Buffalo’s water supply in 2024.

Additionally, the Buffalo Water Board was also accused of violating the Opening Meetings Law by limiting access to a public meeting in September and failing to post meeting minutes online.

According to a Nov. 12 statement from the New York State Committee on Open Government, government bodies are required to post meeting minutes within two weeks of the meeting date, but the water board had not done so since June.

Erin Jones, Houston Public Works public information officer, said the City of Houston did its due diligence to check McFoy's experience and credentials.

"The City of Houston engaged with a national search firm that identified Mr. McFoy as a top candidate," Jones said in an email. "Oluwole ‘OJ’ McFoy came highly recommended and his resume speaks to the expertise Houston needs in a City Engineer to ensure infrastructure is strong enough to last for the future. His skill in water and wastewater will help us meet the requirements of the consent decree and ensure Houston’s water quality maintains its superior rating across Texas and beyond."

What council members are saying

Despite the controversies, Houston council members congratulated McFoy on his new role and shared their excitement about what he will bring to the city’s infrastructure and water supply.

"Infrastructure projects are a priority in my administration and I am proud to have a strong team at Houston Public Works,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in the Jan. 29 news release. "With the combination of Randy Macchi's leadership and O.J.'s experience as a respected engineer, we are moving forward on critical transformational projects to enhance the quality of life for all Houstonians.”