Purpose

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Water Resources recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of water resources within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Eligibility

Any APWA member whose primary responsibilities are in the area of public works water resources management is eligible. Members of the APWA Board of Directors are not eligible during the time they serve on the Board. APWA Water Resources 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 water resources management.

Scope—Candidates must manage and have made significant contributions in the field of water resources management.

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 water resources management.

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

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

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

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

Community Service—Promotion of the field of water resources 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

2022
Robert Fisher, Water Quality Superintendent, City of South Burlington, VT

2021
Frederick McNeill, PE Chief Engineer, City of Manchester, MA

2020
Steven Klein, PE, PH, P.Eng., Vice President, Barr Engineering, Minneapolis, MN

2019
Philip D. Guerin, Director of Water & Sewer Operations, Department of Public Works & Parks, City of Worcester, MA

2018
Paul Burris, Utility Operations Manager, City of Elmhurst, Illinois

2017
Tim Kelly, District Administrator, Coon Creek Watershed District, Blaine, MN

2016
Andrew Pappastergion, Commissioner of Public Works, Town of Brookline, MA

2015
David Hollingsworth, PE, CFM, Senior Civil Engineer, City of Longmont, CO

2014
Randy Neprash, PE, Stormwater Regulatory Specialist, Stantec Consulting, St. Paul, MN

2013
Alice Champagne, CPESC, CFM, Water Resources Manager, City of Roswell, GA

2012
Richard T. Hoey, PE, Director of Water Resources, City of Olympia, WA

2011
Charles Button, PE, Senior Consultant, CDM, Cambridge, MA

2010
Pete Willenbring, PE, Vice President, WSB & Associates, Inc., Minneapolis, MN