Purpose

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Works Emergency Management recognizes the outstanding achievements in the area of public works emergency management within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Eligibility

Any 91探花member whose primary responsibility is in an emergency management role is eligible. Members of the 91探花Board of Directors are not eligible during the time they serve on the Board. 91探花Emergency Management Committee members are not eligible during the time they serve on the Committee.

Career Length鈥擟andidates with a minimum of 10 years qualifying experience may be nominated.

Employment鈥擟andidates may be employed in either the public or private sector; however, their career service must be in the field of public works emergency management.

Scope鈥擟andidates must manage and have made significant contributions in the field of a public works emergency management program.

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鈥擲ignificant contributions to the advancement of public works emergency management.

Leadership鈥擮utstanding leadership and vision evidenced by employing progressive management techniques in the area of public works emergency management.

Innovation鈥擡mployment of new and innovative ideas and technology resulting in the advancement of effective public works emergency management operations.

贰尘辫濒辞测尘别苍迟听础肠丑颈别惫别尘别苍迟鈥擨mplementation of effective methods to optimize management of public works emergency operations.

Customer Service鈥擡vidence of a high degree of satisfaction among customers and other stakeholders.

Community Service鈥擯romotion of the field of public works emergency management in the community, agency, or customers served.

Sustainability鈥擲upport the advancement of sustainable contributions in public works.

Nomination Process

Any group, individual, or governmental entity may nominate candidates. Nominations are particularly encouraged from 91探花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鈥檚 professional work.

Deadline

March 2, 2026

Presentation

The winner is presented with a plaque at the Awards Recognition Ceremony during PWX and featured in 91探花publications.

Award Winners

2025
Zachary Blodgett, PE, Deputy Public Works Director, City of Montpelier, Vermont, Department of Public Works

2024
Mark D. Runyon, Assistant Director of Public Works, Village of Oswego, Illinois

2023
Michael Collins, PE, Commissioner of Public Works, City of Beverly, Massachusetts

2022
David Lane, Director of Public Works and Utilities, Town of Danvers, Massachusetts

2021
Mark Ray, Public Works Director/City Engineer, City of Crystal, Minnesota

2020
Philip Mann, PE, Public Works Director, Gainesville, Florida

2019
Carrie Ricci, Deputy Public Works Director, Contra Costa County, California

2017
Richard 鈥淐hip鈥 Barrett, PWLF, Highway Superintendent, Westford Hwy Dept., Westford, Massachusetts

2016
K眉rt Blomquist, PE, Public Works Director/Emergency Mgmt. Dir., City of Keene, New Hampshire

2015
Christine Walsh, Director of Operations, City of Beloit, Wisconsin

2014
Tony Torres, Director of Operations, Village of Bolingbrook, Illinois

2013
Lawrence Lux, PWLF, Founder/President, Lux Advisors, Ltd., Plainfield, Illinois

2012
Bruce Slagoski, Public Works Supervisor, City of Beloit, Wisconsin

2011
Ronald F. Ribaric, FPEM, Assistant Project Manager, Orange County Public Works, Orlando, Florida

2010
Brian Usher, Director of Public Works, City of Largo, Florida