Beaufort’s new assistant city manager isn’t new to the area. Meet Eric Claussen
The city of Beaufort has tapped a bigger city in Missouri to fill a key management position following the recent departure of two high-level leaders just as millions in major capital projects were getting underway.
Beaufort on Monday announced it hired Eric Claussen as its new assistant city manager. The position is second-in-charge behind City Manager Scott Marshall in the city of 14,000. In his role, Claussen will oversee necessary but sometimes disruptive capital projects that have faced scrutiny in the historic city known for its tight-knit residential neighborhoods and bustling downtown retail hub.
Claussen, who will earn $154,000 annually, replaces JJ Sauve, who announced he was leaving the job in September after working for the city since January 2024.
His hiring comes a few weeks after the city launched $22 million worth of work installing massive 72-inch storm drainage pipes under Charles, Craven and King streets to reduce chronic flooding.
Raul Dominguez, who headed the city’s capital improvement program, resigned less than a month after the closing of a key downtown intersection before the holiday shopping season angered downtown businesses.
Marshall said Claussen’s experience in building community trust and advancing long-term infrastructure goals will positively impact Beaufort’s operations immediately.
“We are beyond excited that Eric is joining our executive team,” Marshall said in a news release.
Brian Ranger, a member of the Public Works staff, was previously named interim capital projects director to replace Dominguez. David Gregory was hired as the capital projects support coordinator
Eric Claussen’s experience
Claussen left a position as assistant director of public works in Springfield, Mo., to take the job in Beaufort.
In Springfield, he oversaw street operations, transportation, facilities and fleet services, led more than 200 employees and managed a $55 million annual budget in the city of 170,000.
He also served as director of public services for the Town of Nags Head, N.C. He graduated with a civil engineering degree from Iowa State University and is pursuing a master’s in public administration from Missouri State University.
Returning to Beaufort
Claussen, who is expected to join the city in mid-February, once served as director of engineering for Beaufort County. He’s pleased to be returning to Beaufort.
“The opportunity to serve in this capacity in a place that my family and I love is truly a blessing,” Claussen said in a news release. Claussen and his wife, Julie, an ultrasound technician, have two daughters, Taylor (16) and Eva (14).
Claussen’s work in Springfield on “neighborhood enhancement programs” also seems to align with Beaufort’s efforts to fix up deteriorating housing in its historic district. The city is putting together an advisory committee that will advise the city on the preservation, cultural identity and economic vitality of the Historic District.
This story was originally published December 17, 2025 at 10:54 AM.
