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 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
Patrick Beane, PE, Clean Water Program Administrator, City of Des Moines, Iowa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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