Purpose

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Solid Waste recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of solid waste 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 the management of a public works solid waste operation 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Solid Waste 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, career service must be in the field of solid waste.

Scope鈥擟andidates must manage a significantly diversified solid waste operation, i.e., landfill, collection, incineration, and recycling operations or a combination of these.

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 solid waste management.

Leadership鈥擮utstanding leadership and vision evidenced by employing progressive management techniques in the area of solid waste management.

Innovation鈥擡mployment of new and innovative ideas advancing the effectiveness of solid waste management.

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 solid waste 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 solid waste 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
Jessica Foster, Solid Waste Manager, City of Asheville, North Carolina

2024
Waneta Trabert, Sustainable Materials Management Director, City of Newton, Massachusetts

2022
Robert 鈥淏obby鈥 Parks, Solid Waste Manager, City of Surprise, Arizona

2018
Robert Beaudoin, Superintendent of Environmental Services, Town of Lexington, Massachusetts

2017
Thomas Hladick, Deputy Director of Public Works and Highway/Sanitation Division Supervisor, Town of Natick, Massachusetts

2016
Mike Mundell, Solid Waste Manager, City of Braunfels, Texas

2015
Chris Bussen, Solid Waste Superintendent, City of Lee鈥檚 Summit, Missouri

2014
Harvey E. Howard, Superintendent of Waste Management, City of Norfolk, Virginia

2013
Monica Bramble, Solid Waste Manager, City of North Port, Florida

2012
Carl Michaud, Director, Department of Environmental Services, Hennepin County, Minnesota

2011
Steve Wamback, Solid Waste Administrator, Pierce County Washington, Public Works and Utilities

2010
Richard L. Wieman, Solid Waste Utility Manager, City of Columbia, Missouri