Purpose

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Administrative Management recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of administration within the public works field who inspires excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Eligibility

Any APWA member whose primary responsibility is the management of administrative functions in support of a public works department. Administrative Management functions may include, but not be limited to, human resources, financial/business operations, information technology, procurement, safety, and/or office management. Members of the APWA Board of Directors are not eligible during the time they serve on the Board. APWA Leadership and Management Committee members are not eligible during the time they serve on the committee.

Career Length—Candidates with a minimum of 10 years qualifying experience may be nominated.

Employment—Candidates may be employed in either the public or private sector; however, career service must be in the field of public works, specifically providing agency support in the administrative management field.

Scope—Candidates must provide administrative management support and have made significant contributions in the field of public works.

Selection

The award winner is selected by the Professional Manager and Snow and Ice Award Committee.

Criteria

Candidates must address the following specific criteria, which will be evaluated in the selection process.

Profession—Significant contributions to the advancement of administrative management.

Leadership—Outstanding leadership and vision evidenced by employing progressive management techniques in the area of administrative management.

Innovation—Employment of new and innovative ideas and technology in advancing the effectiveness of administrative management.

Employment Achievement—Implementation of effective methods to optimize management of administrative services.

Customer Service—Evidence of a high degree of satisfaction among customers and other stakeholders.

Community Service—Promotion of the field of public administrative management in the community, agency, or customers served.

Sustainability—Support the advancement of sustainable contributions in public works.

Nomination Process

Any group, individual, or governmental entity may nominate candidates. Nominations are particularly encouraged from APWA chapters and branches. Self-nominations are not accepted. Nomination of a candidate is limited to one Professional Manager of the Year Award per year. Submittal should include supporting documentation that clearly addresses the eligibility requirements and the candidate’s professional work.

Deadline

March 3, 2025

Presentation

The winner is presented with a plaque at the Awards Recognition Ceremony during PWX and featured in APWA publications.

Award Winners

2024
Mark Darmanin, Director of Operations, Water and Wastewater Services, Broward County, Florida

2023
Gloria Martinez, IPMA-CP, Office Administrator, City of Frisco, Texas

2022
Amanda Lehde, CSCP, Maintenance Support Manager, North Texas Tollway Authority, Plano, Texas

2021
Adrienne Todd, Departmental Personnel Officer, Contra Costa County, California

2020
Laurie Sucgang, PE, Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer, City of Dublin, California

2019
Amber Kerwin, Executive Management Advisor, Office of the City Manager, City of Tucson, Arizona

2018
Florinda O. Langilotti, Operations Manager, City of Pasadena, California

2017
Carys Lustig, Supervisor of Administration, Department of Public Works, Needham, Massachusetts

2016
Julie Piacentini, Administrative Manager, Department of Public Works, City of Brookline, Massachusetts

2015
Elvira I. Alonzo, CPM, Deputy Director of Public Works, City of McAllen, Texas

2013
Sonja R. Simpson, Deputy Director, Division of Operations, Ohio DOT

2012
Arden Fontaine, Special Projects Coordinator, Volusia County, Florida

2011
Jacqueline Connors, Senior Administrative Assistant, Department of Public Works, Boston, Massachusetts

2010
Beth Wimpy, Administrative Manager, City of Arlington, Texas