Purpose

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Rights-of-Way recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of public rights-of-way 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 public rights-of-way management. Members of the APWA Board of Directors are not eligible during the time they serve on the Board. APWA Utilities and Public Rights-of-Way 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 public rights-of-way management.

Scope—Candidates must manage and have made significant contributions to the advancement of public rights-of-way.

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 rights-of-way management.

Leadership—Outstanding leadership and vision evidenced by employing progressive management techniques in the area of public rights-of-way management.

Innovation—Employment of new and innovative ideas and technology resulting in the advancement of effective public rights-of-way management.

Employment Achievement—Implementation of effective methods to optimize management of public rights-of-way operations.

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

Community Service—Promotion of the field of public rights-of-way 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 3, 2025

Presentation

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

Award Winners

2024
Steven J. Mullany, Public Works Services Coordinator, Village of Arlington Heights, Illinois

2022
Philip Freund, Utilities Supervisor, Village of Barrington, Illinois

2020
Gabriel Elias, Field Operations Superintendent, Tolleson, Arizona

2019
John DeLeire, Director of Right-of-Way Bureau, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Boston, Massachusetts

2018
Tod Fagan, Manager, Right-of-Way, Spire, St. Louis, Missouri

2017
Pamela Marquis, Right-of-Way Compliance Manager, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Boston, Massachusetts

2015
Robert J. “Bob” Miller, Highway Commissioner, Algonquin Township, Illinois

2013
Deborah “Denise” Kiser, Right-of-Way Agent, Putnam County, Florida

2012
Roger Venables, Assistant Director Community Development and Planning, City of Arlington, Texas

2011
Jennifer D. Walker, SR/WA, Right-of-Way Supervisor, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities, Tacoma, Washington