APWA recognizes 2026 Public Works Leaders of the Year
The American Public Works Association (APWA) announced its 2026 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year. This is the 67th year of recognizing public works leadership across the U.S. This award aims to recognize excellence in public works through commitment to the profession including positions in education, training, certification, continuing education, professional excellence and overall service to the community.
APWA’s 2026 Top Ten Public Works Leaders include:
- Mike Busch, PE, PTOE, Principal, Oates Associates Inc., St. Louis, Missouri
- Regina Marie Cave, General Services Director, City of Citrus Heights, California
- Hesha Gamble, PE, PTOE, Assistant County Administrator for Public Works, Planning and Development, Greenville County, South Carolina
- Kevin Hensley, CPM, MPA, Director of Public Works, City of Grimes, Iowa
- Kirk Holmes, Director of Central Washington and Emergency Management Services, Perteet, Inc., Ellensburg, Washington
- Anne Lamitola, PE, Senior Director of Public Services, City of Ladue, Missouri
- Philip Mann, PE, Special Projects Administrator, City of Gainesville, Florida
- Mark Ray, CPWP, PE, Public Works Director, City of Burnsville, Minnesota
- William R. Riccio Jr., PE, PWLF, Director, Department of Public Services, City of Newport, Rhode Island
- Tony Roos, PE, FACEC, F.SAME, Senior Principal Engineer, Kittelson & Associates, Inc., Portland, Oregon
“APWA’s Top Ten Public Works Leaders are people who have dedicated their lives to achieving excellence in public works. It’s their presence that makes our communities more efficient, resilient, and sustainable,” said APWA President Vic Bianes, PE. “All of us at APWA applaud them for their tireless commitment to the communities they serve.”
