The Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year program seeks to inspire excellence and dedication in public service by recognizing the outstanding career service achievements of individual public works professionals and officials, from both the public and private sectors. The primary focus of the award is on career service to the public works profession rather than on any one single event or project. It is the intent of this award to recognize the career service accomplishments of public works professionals and officials.
In order to be eligible to be nominated for the award, candidates can be from the public or private sector. They shall have a minimum of 10 years qualifying experience in one of five predetermined categories. Individuals are only eligible to receive the Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year Award on one occasion.
Any governmental entity, group, or individual may nominate candidates and nominations are particularly encouraged from APWA chapters and branches. The Top Ten are selected by a panel of judges appointed by the APWA President.
The following are the members who have been nominated over the years by the Oregon Chapter for Top Ten honors and those who received the National award:
- 2024 – Russ Thomas, Public Works Director City of Newberg NATIONAL RECIPEINT
- 2023 – Ken Stoneman, PE, PLS, David Evans & Associates
- 2022 – Jenifer Willer, PE, City of Eugene NATIONAL RECIPEINT
- 2021 – Delora Kerber, PE, City of Wilsonville, OSU College of Engineering newsletter article NATIONAL RECIPEINT
- 2020 – Rick Olson, RKO & Associates
- 2019 – Russ Thomas, City of Newberg
- 2018 – Gregg Weston, 3J Consulting
- 2017 – Jeanne Nyquist, Nyquist & Associates NATIONAL RECIPEINT
- 2016 – Bob Patterson, City of Pendleton NATIONAL RECIPEINT
- 2015 – Eric Jones, City of Eugene
- 2014 – Stephanie Reid, City of Lincoln NATIONAL RECIPEINT
- 2013 – Gregg Weston, David Evans & Associates
- 2012 – Peggy Keppler NATIONAL RECIPEINT
- 2010 – Liane Welch, Tillamook County
- 2006 – Kurt Corey, City of Eugene NATIONAL RECIPEINT
- 2004 – Daniel J. Boss, City of Tualatin NATIONAL RECIPEINT