Purpose

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Works Emergency Management recognizes the outstanding achievements in the area of public works emergency 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 in an emergency management role is eligible. Members of the APWA Board of Directors are not eligible during the time they serve on the Board. APWA Emergency 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, their career service must be in the field of public works emergency management.

Scope—Candidates must manage and have made significant contributions in the field of a public works emergency management program.

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 public works emergency management.

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

Innovation—Employment of new and innovative ideas and technology resulting in the advancement of effective public works emergency management operations.

Employment Achievement—Implementation of effective methods to optimize management of public works emergency operations.

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

Community Service—Promotion of the field of public works emergency 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 4, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Eastern time; electronic submittals only.

Presentation

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

Award Winners

2023
Michael Collins, PE, Commissioner of Public Works, City of Beverly, MA

2022
David Lane, Director of Public Works and Utilities, Town of Danvers, MA

2021
Mark Ray, Public Works Director/City Engineer, City of Crystal, MN

2020
Philip Mann, PE, Public Works Director, Gainesville, FL

2019
Carrie Ricci, Deputy Public Works Director, Contra Costa County, CA

2017
Richard “Chip” Barrett, PWLF, Highway Superintendent, Westford Hwy Dept., Westford, MA

2016
Kürt Blomquist, PE, Public Works Director/Emergency Mgmt. Dir., City of Keene, NH

2015
Christine Walsh, Director of Operations, City of Beloit, WI

2014
Tony Torres, Director of Operations, Village of Bolingbrook, IL

2013
Lawrence Lux, PWLF, Founder/President, Lux Advisors, Ltd., Plainfield, IL

2012
Bruce Slagoski, Public Works Supervisor, City of Beloit, WI

2011
Ronald F. Ribaric, FPEM, Assistant Project Manager, Orange County Public Works, Orlando, FL

2010
Brian Usher, Director of Public Works, City of Largo, FL