Purpose

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Facilities and Grounds recognizes the outstanding achievements in the area of facilities and/or grounds management within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Eligibility

Any APWA member whose primary responsibility is management of public facilities and/or grounds is eligible. Members of the APWA Board of Directors are not eligible during the time they serve on the Board. APWA Facilities and Grounds 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 in the area of facilities and grounds.

Scope—Candidates must manage and have made significant contributions in the field of public facilities and/or grounds.

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 facilities and grounds management.

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

Innovation—Employment of new and innovative ideas and technology resulting in the advancement of effective facilities and grounds management.

Employment Achievement—Implementation of effective methods to optimize management of facilities and grounds operations.

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

Community Service—Promotion of the field of facilities and grounds 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
Carlos Rebelo, Highway and Grounds Superintendent, Town of Franklin, Massachusetts

2023
Clayton “Clay” Major, Director of Facilities, Town of South Windsor, Connecticut

2022
James McCarthy, Director of Facilities, Town of Westwood, Massachusetts

2021
Robert Antonelli, Assistant Commissioner, DPW & Parks; Parks Recreation & Cemetery Division, City of Worcester, Massachusetts

2020
Edward Olsen, Division Superintendent, Parks and Forestry, Needham, Massachusetts

2019
Shannon Sorrell, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Whitehall, Ohio

2018
Arthur Goodhind, Supervisor, Land Facilities and Natural Resources Division, Department of Public Works, Town of Natick, Massachusetts

2017
Robert J. LeBlanc, Superintendent of Highways, Parks and Cemeteries, Town of Walpole, Massachusetts

2016
Nick Caggiano, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, City of Nashua, New Hampshire

2015
Deborah Abraham, Division Manager, Columbus Consolidated Government/Public Works, Columbus, Georgia

2014
David J. Pinsonneault, CSFM, CPRP, Operations Manager, Department of Public Works, Town of Lexington, Massachusetts

2012
Jeffrey A. Jenkins, PWLF, Facilities Division Manager, City of Tacoma, Washington