Purpose

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Transportation recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of public transportation professionals within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Eligibility

Any APWA member whose primary responsibility is the management of the planning, design, operation, and/or maintenance of transportation projects or programs is eligible. Members of the APWA Board of Directors are not eligible during the time they serve on the Board. APWA Transportation 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 transportation.

Scope—Candidates must manage and have made significant contributions in the field of planning, design, operation, services, and/or maintenance of transportation projects or programs.

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 transportation management.

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

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

Employment Achievement—Implementation of effective methods to optimize management of transportation operations.

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

Community Service—Promotion of the field of transportation 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
Daniel Leaver, PE, Transportation Program Manager, City of Charlotte, NC

2022
Joseph Ouellette, RSP, Executive Director, Office of the State Traffic Administrative, Newington, CT

2021
Matthew Morreim, PE, Assistant City Engineer, City of St. Paul, MN

2020
Patricia Leavenworth, PE, Deputy Administrator and Chief Engineer, Highway Div., Massachusetts DOT

2019
April Crockett, PE, West Area Manager, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Roseville, MN

2018
David Coyle, Assistant Director, Field Operations, Ohio Department of Transportation, Columbus, OH

2017
Thomas J. Tinlin, Highway Administrator, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Boston, MA

2016
Debbie Hale, Executive Director, Transportation Agency of Monterey County, CA

2015
Ted Marquez, PE, Director, Department of Transportation, City of El Paso, TX

2013
James D. Armstrong, Assistant Administrator Transportation/Public Works, Charleston County, SC

2012
Nancy J.T. Kraushaar, PE, City Engineer/Public Works Director, City of Oregon City, OR

2011
Wayne H. Sandberg, PE, Deputy Public Works Director & County Engineer, Washington County, MN

2010
Beverly Ann B. Farraher, Metro District Maintenance Engineer, Minnesota DOT, Roseville, MN