Ever wish you could have a conversation and learn from experts in the field of public works? Join us for this program series featuring experienced professionals in public works sharing what they have learned about leadership, management, and supervision challenges and why they are passionate about the public works profession.
This series features three live, online programs per year, featuring one expert in each program and will culminate with an in-person panel session at PWX. Join us for one or all of the programs in this new series!
Free for members; $99 for nonmembers.
Upcoming Programs
program three
June 23, 2026
12:00–1:00 p.m. CT
In the Driver’s Seat with John Cooper
Join us for In the Driver’s Seat with John Cooper, a candid conversation about leadership in public works today. Guided by moderator Tim Ross, this session goes beyond theory to share real experiences, lessons learned, and practical approaches you can apply in your own career.
John Cooper didn’t start his career in a leadership role—he started in the field, inspecting projects and learning the work firsthand. Today, as a vice president at GBA, his perspective has shifted. The decisions carry more weight, the impact is broader, and the answers aren’t always clear. Leadership isn’t black and white. And as an engineer, that’s been one of the biggest adjustments he’s had to embrace: learning to operate in the gray.
What you can expect to learn about:
- Change Management—How to build buy-in, navigate resistance, and keep teams moving forward when change is inevitable
- Communication and Delegation—How to lead without doing everything yourself, balancing support, accountability, and the realities of being a people-focused leader
- Leadership Development—How to grow your leadership skills beyond your day-to-day role, including the impact of mentorship and involvement in organizations like APWA
Whether you’re early in your career or stepping into greater responsibility, this session offers a real-world look at leadership and what it takes to keep growing.
Past Programs
In the Driver’s Seat with Tyler Palmer
Unlock the secrets to effective leadership and management in public works by joining our exclusive “In the Driver’s Seat” session with industry trailblazer Tyler Palmer. Tyler brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table, drawing on his perspectives gained from working in both consulting and a municipality. Guided by moderator Tracy Warner, this session will offer fresh ideas, practical strategies, and candid talk about the real challenges of leading in public works today.
Recording coming soon.
In the Driver’s Seat with Jennifer Morrow
With nearly 30 years of career experience in both consulting and municipal settings, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. Guided by a moderator, this session will bring fresh ideas, practical strategies, and real talk about the challenges of leading in public works today.
Recording coming soon.
In the Driver’s Seat with Bo Mills
After a nearly 40-year career with the City of Germantown, Tennessee, APWA Past President (2017–2018) William “Bo” Mills brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. Guided by moderator David Lawry, APWA Past President (2018–2019), this session delivers a dynamic exchange of insights and strategies.
In the Driver’s Seat with Dan Schacher
As the Northern Region Maintenance and Operations Manager, Dan Schacher brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. Guided by moderator Bryan Pickworth, this session brings fresh ideas, practical strategies, and real talk about the real challenges of leading in public works today.
In the Driver's Seat with Mary Joyce Ivers
As the Deputy Public Works Director for the City of Ventura and APWA Past President (2020-2021), Mary Joyce Ivers, CPFP, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. Guided by moderator Sarah Mark—an APWA Emerging Leader graduate and Vice-Chair of APWA’s Fleet Management Committee—this session offers a dynamic exchange of insights and strategies.