Robert Garland is a Vice President and Regional Director for McKim & Creed, a national engineering firm. He received his Bachelor of Engineering from Vanderbilt University. He has been providing engineering, management, operational, and construction services for the public works industry for more than 35 years. During that time, he has partnered with frontline workers, department directors, public works directors, elected officials, and residents to develop innovative solutions to provide higher levels of service while maintaining affordable rate structures and tax bases. He has been a frequent presenter at national, regional, and state conferences and has authored diverse technical papers on public works issues.
Garland joined APWA in 2006 and immediately became active at both the chapter and branch levels. He was asked to chair the Southwest Florida Branch in 2010, a role that he maintained for two consecutive terms. He began his progression as a chapter officer in 2013, serving as Vice President, President-Elect, and then President in 2015-16. He continued his service to the chapter as an Alternate Delegate and then as a Delegate. Prior to being selected for the APWA Board of Directors, he served on the Council of Chapter’s Steering Committee.