Georgia_Public_Works_Issue1_2026_issuu by Kelman & Associates

The People Powering GA APWA

Advancing Public Works Through Leadership and Service

• PPRA Horizon Award Winners

• GA APWA Chapter 2026-2029 Strategic Plan

• From the Desk of Governor Brian P. Kemp

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APWA GEORGIA

4915 Chase Lane Cumming, GA 30040 georgia.apwa.org

PRESIDENT

Chuck Mathis

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Reginald Anderson

PAST PRESIDENT

Tyler Pannell

VICE PRESIDENT

Dwayne Stocks

CHAPTER SECRETARY

Adisa Aarons

CHAPTER TREASURER

Bradley Klinger

PAST PRESIDENT

Felix Floyd

COUNCIL OF CHAPTER DELEGATE

Lenardo Owens

COUNCIL OF CHAPTERS ALTERNATIVE DELEGATE

Terrence Simpkins

Tel: 866-985-9780 Fax: 866-985-9799 www.kelmanonline.com

Managing Editor: Mathias Leiendecker

Marketing Manager: Megan Stanley

Design/layout: Kiersten Drysdale

Advertising Coordinator: Stefanie Hagidiakow

PEOPLE, PURPOSE, AND PRESENCE IN WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

VIC BIANES, PE, APWA PRESIDENT

Water is the most essential compound to life on Earth. It is vital for sustaining our bodies, our ecosystems, and the activities that support society. Water grows our food, generates electricity, fuels our economy, and enhances our daily lives through recreation and even helps with stress reduction. Yet water is also at the center of some of the most pressing challenges we face as public works professionals.

Our communities depend on dedicated people who make up the water resources workforce, which includes plant operators, engineers, scientists, technicians, and many others. Their purpose and presence ensure safe, high-quality drinking water. They protect communities from increasing climate variability that can bring both dangerous flooding and water scarcity, and safeguard the natural water resources that enhance our lives.

Meanwhile, aging infrastructure coupled with evolving regulatory requirements and inadequate funding make it increasingly difficult to keep pace. Growing levels of contaminants such as nitrates and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our water are pushing our existing treatment facilities to their limits. Simultaneously, algae blooms threaten our fisheries while drought impacts both food and energy production.

Engaging volunteers can lighten the load for public works staff and increase engagement, giving residents a greater sense of pride in their community. Volunteering is a fantastic way to demonstrate that together, we truly are stronger.

While these challenges are significant, there is hope if we approach the goal of creating resilient and vibrant communities as an all-hands-on-deck effort through:

• Outreach and Education. An informed community is an empowered one, more likely to support funding initiatives and to make small individual changes that collectively have a big impact. Furthermore, when residents and businesses understand the “why” behind a code requirement, compliance tends to be higher than in programs that rely heavily on enforcement.

• Community Involvement. Engaging volunteers can lighten the load for public works staff and increase engagement, giving residents a greater sense of pride in their community. Volunteering is a fantastic way to demonstrate that together, we truly are stronger.

• Advocacy. Public works people often work behind the scenes to fulfill their purpose of keeping our communities running and safe. Advocacy might not come naturally, but it is key to educating our elected officials so that we receive the funding and resources needed to serve our communities. Telling our stories is essential to building relationships and communicating our needs.

• Collaboration. As both the physical and political landscape evolves,

communities will need to adapt and be open to partnerships, whether working with local universities on a pilot study or teaming up with businesses and nonprofits to solve funding challenges.

• Creativity and Innovation. Water resource management is constantly advancing. Incorporating new technologies and methods into our operations will strengthen the resilience of our communities. Challenging “this is the way we have always done it” thinking will ensure our systems are more robust. For example, thoughtful use of AI and GIS can help maximize efficiency, while real-time sensors can aid in flood awareness and preparedness, and resources like the RaInDROP tool can guide more resilient infrastructure.

• Removing Obstacles. By removing barriers such as lack of knowledge or financial constraints, communities can encourage widespread adoption of beneficial practices. While a few residents installing rain barrels seems like a drop in the bucket (literally and figuratively), collective action creates meaningful downstream impacts. Together, through a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to stewardship, we can address today’s infrastructure and environmental challenges while building communities and ecosystems resilient enough to withstand tomorrow’s storms.

GA APWA Chapter President’s Message

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS: WELCOMING THE 2026 TERM

CHUCKY MATHIS, 2026 PRESIDENT, GA CHAPTER OF AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION (APWA), ACPWM, CPWM, DIRECTOR OF DOUGHERTY COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS

It is with great honor and excitement that I greet you as the incoming President of the GA Chapter of APWA for the 2026 term. This is among the one of the highest honors I have ever received. As your President, I will serve with humility, honesty, and with the best interest of the GA Chapter at heart. Having been a member of this chapter for over 20 years, I am incredibly thankful for your trust and support as I step into this role to serve our dedicated members.

First, I want to extend my gratitude to Tyler Pannell, outgoing President, and the board for their outstanding leadership and contributions to our chapter.

As we look forward to the upcoming year, there are a few things I believe we can achieve together.

1. GA Chapter By-Laws Review

To ensure our chapter operates according to current best practices, this review should be completed every three years.

2. Increased Participation & Engagement

I want to hear your ideas. We are looking for more participation in the chapter’s initiatives, from all branches and members, especially those located in the rural areas of the state.

3. Introducing Parliamentary Procedures Training

This initiative will assist Chapter Officials who are currently voting members of the GA Chapter of APWA.

4. 75th Anniversary of the GA Chapter APWA

This year is particularly special as we celebrate 75 years of excellence, which culminated in September 2025, and will continue all year long.

5. Georgia Public Works Magazine

One of my priorities is to keep our membership informed about the rapidly changing landscape of Public Works. I invite the District and Branch Presidents to contribute articles, and news updates on current events impacting our fields to our Georgia Public Works Magazine

Although 2026 has started out with some unexpected events across Georgia, such as inclement weather, snow, ice storms and drought, along with the student and citizens participation in demonstrations, we still have so much to be thankful for.

I believe that the GA Chapter of APWA is only as strong as the people who participate, and I am committed to fostering an environment where our collective expertise can thrive. I encourage you to get involved, attend our upcoming events, and share your ideas. Whether you have been a member for years or just joined, your input is invaluable to our success. I am eager to work with all of you to make this year another great chapter in our history.

Finally, it is my hope and expectation that we will work to improve ourselves as a Chapter, so that we can improve our services as a Chapter.

I encourage you to get involved, attend our upcoming events, and share your ideas. Whether you have been a member for years or just joined, your input is invaluable to our success. I am eager to work with all of you to make this year another great chapter in our history.

The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners has formally congratulated Mr. Chuck Mathis, the Director of Dougherty County Public Works, on his election as the 2026 President of the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).

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ENVIRONMENTAL STRUCTURES

Headworks

Aeration Structures

Biological Nutrient Removal

Cast-in-Place

Clarifiers

Flow Equalization

INDUSTRY LEADING QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

AMPP QP8 Accredited Contractor

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OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE

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Tennessee

GEORGIA APWA BRANCHES 2026 BRANCH PRESIDENTS

CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA

District Director Teresa Smith tsmith5587@bellsouth.net

COASTAL BRANCH

Coastal B ra nch Kei th P age bkp age@c hatham county or

Cody Adams cadams@bryancountyga.gov

METRO ATLANTA BRANCH

Metro Atla nta Branc h

Kim Roemer kim.apwa@gmail.com

Sha uncey Battle-W illi ams sba ttle-will iams@Atla ntaG a Gov

Georgia APWA Branches

2021 Branch Presidents

Georgia Branch Presidents

Georgia APWA Branches 2021 Branch Presidents

2021 Branch Presidents

Georgia 2021 Branch Presidents

Georgia APWA Branches Branch

North Carolina

MIDDLE BRANCH

Kevin King kking@spaldingcounty. onmicrosoft.com

Northe ast Bra nc h

NORTHEAST BRANCH Jeanne Connell jeanne.connell@accgov.com

Tod d B eebe tbeeb e@gain esvi lle org

Northwe st B ran ch

SOUTHEAST BRANCH

Sean Robinson sean.robinson@glynncounty-ga.gov

gly

SOUTHWEST BRANCH

Sou thwe st Br an ch

Dustin Beaty dbeaty@turnercountygeorgia.com

Em anuel Hai re EHai re@colqui ttga org

WEST CENTRAL BRANCH

West Cen tral Bran ch

eric.sexton@floydcountyga.org

Jerem y Bryson jerem y bryso n@cato osa com

Jam es Man g jma ng@c olum bus ga org

Kevin King kking@spaldingcounty. onmicrosoft.com

BECOME A MEMBER OF APWA

APWA Membership has its privileges

Memberships are extended to both current or past public works employees as well as to private company employees who interact with the American Public Works Association.

Membership comes with the opportunity to share common goals, challenges, and solutions with Public Works professionals throughout North America.

As a member, you’ll participate in local Chapter and Branch programs meetings – often at reduced pricing; gain exposure to more than 30,000 Public Works professionals; save money on the best education and training programs in Public Works, covering all disciplines with ability to receive CEUs and PDHs; gain free subscriptions to many infoNOW electronic networking communities and resources, including the APWA Reporter Magazine; receive free access to the Resource Center and registrations for live Click, Listen & Learn programs; and pay reduced pricing for books, videos, construction, water resources and more.

As a member, you’ll save up to 42% on registration for PWX, the NORTH American Snow Conference and most nationally sponsored workshops and e-learning programs; earn your professional certification credentials; have networking opportunities at the national, local chapter and/or Branch level; and receive discounts on advertising opportunities in the APWA Reporter Magazine and exhibitor space at the annual PWX* (*Corporate Crown Level Group Memberships only ).

APWA is your primary resource for public works-related knowledge.

Become an Individual or Group Member of the APWA

Individual APWA membership automatically includes a one-year membership to your local APWA or CPWA Chapter.

Individual Membership is available to:

• any official or employee (active, retired, or life) of a government agency, manufacturer, supplier, contractor, student, or consulting firm who is actively engaged in the field of Public Works.

Group Membership is available to:

• Student Groups,

• Public Agency Groups,

• One-Call Center/System Groups,

• Corporate Groups,

• Prestige Corporate, and

• Crown Corporate.

To learn more about APWA’s membership groups and how to become a member, visit www.apwa.net

Membership comes with the opportunity to share common goals, challenges, and solutions with Public Works professionals throughout North America.

COASTAL BRANCH STARTS THE YEAR WITH NEW LEADERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT

CODY ADAMS, GA APWA COASTAL BRANCH PRESIDENT

The Coastal Branch is entering an exciting new season of leadership, collaboration, and professional growth across the coastal region of Georgia.

On January 23, 2026, branch members gathered at Hendrix Park in Ellabell, Georgia, for the first meeting of the year. The meeting was generously sponsored by Cones and Barrels Traffic Control and brought together public works professionals from across the Coastal area, representing agencies including the City of Savannah, Bryan County, EOM, and the City of Statesboro.

During the meeting, new leadership was announced to guide the branch forward. Cody Adams, Stormwater Superintendent for Bryan County, was elected President. Richard Smiley, Streets and Parks Superintendent for the City of Statesboro, was elected Vice President.

The branch would also like to recognize and thank Keith Page, Assistant Director of Public Works for Bryan County, for his dedicated service as President of the Coastal Branch. His leadership and commitment to public works professionals in the region have made a lasting impact. We congratulate Keith on his new role as Director

of District 1 and wish him continued success in this next chapter of his career.

Looking ahead, the Coastal Branch is focused on strengthening professional networks within the region and increasing engagement among public works agencies. Key priorities include hosting quarterly meetings, expanding participation across municipalities and counties, enhancing educational and training opportunities, and supporting local projects that positively impact our communities.

By fostering stronger relationships among public works professionals, encouraging knowledge-sharing, and promoting continued education, the Coastal Branch aims to build a more connected and resilient coastal Georgia. Collaboration across jurisdictions and disciplines will be central to this effort. Now is the time to get involved, reconnect, and help shape the future of our branch.

For more information about upcoming meetings, membership, or how to get involved, please contact Cody Adams at cadams@bryancountyga.gov. We look forward to building strong partnerships and a vibrant Coastal Branch together.

PPRA HORIZON AWARD WINNERS Share Clues to Superior Preservation Practice

The new Horizon Award from the Pavement Preservation & Recycling Alliance (PPRA) recognizes forward-thinking leaders who put network health at the center of their decisions. Award winners demonstrate how smart planning, a willingness to innovate, and an embrace of preservation and recycling techniques can reverse deterioration trends and create sustainable systems.

In this edition, we highlight the remaining 2024 recipients: Tyler Lawrason of the Municipal District of Provost in Alberta, and Bradley Klinger of Fayette County, GA. Despite operating in vastly different environments –one rural and industrial, the other suburban and rapidly urbanizing, both in climates – both men have reshaped their networks and inspired others through their leadership.

Tyler Lawrason: From Political Oversight to Scientific Stewardship

As chief administrative officer (CAO) of the Municipal District (MD) of Provost in Alberta, Canada, Tyler Lawrason oversees a jurisdiction with about 2,000 residents spread across 4,000 sq. miles. The network includes nearly 1,500 miles of roads, most of them gravel, that support the nation’s largest crude oil storage and distribution hub. The combination of extreme industrial traffic and Alberta’s punishing climate – where temperatures can swing 80 deg in a single week –creates daunting challenges.

When Lawrason began his tenure, the county’s road management practices were often dictated by politics, with decisions focused on short-term fixes instead of long-term sustainability. He has since spearheaded a complete shift toward scientific, data-driven management, a change rooted in the belief that “it costs more to let a road degrade than it does to maintain it.” By reframing the conversation this way, he has successfully built support for preservation-first planning.

Prior to 2018, roads in Lawrason’s network had an average life of five to eight years. Using a systematic approach and a

diverse treatment toolbox, Lawrason has been able to extend the life of his roads to 10 to 15 years. Since 2018, he extended the depth of cement from 8 to 10 in. to 12 in.

He also launched a proactive fog sealing program, sealing the entire network every two years. He relies heavily on cement-treated base stabilization paired with micro surfacing or cape seals with fiber reinforcement , a method proven to withstand the area’s heavy traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. His team also runs an extensive pothole repair and crack sealing program. His efforts have been significant in cutting long-term costs and improving reliability.

Equally important has been his role as an educator and regional leader. Recognizing that 69 rural municipalities in Alberta and Saskatchewan face similar conditions, Lawrason has hosted workshops for 30 to 40 agencies at a time, demonstrating best practices and building momentum for preservation across Western Canada. His leadership has not only transformed his own network but also influenced policy and practice on a much broader scale.

Upcoming initiatives in Provost include micro surfacing pilots for airport

preservation, full life-cycle costing for the district’s asphalt inventory, and codifying procedures into policy to ensure continuity for future leaders. These forward-looking plans reinforce Lawrason’s commitment to sustainability and succession, ensuring his impact will last well beyond his tenure.

The Horizon Award recognizes Tyler Lawrason for turning political challenges into a blueprint for scientific stewardship, proving that rural jurisdictions with unique conditions and forward-thinking leadership can set an entire region on a path toward stronger, more resilient infrastructure.

Bradley Klinger: Expanding Toolbox and Raising the Bar in Georgia

In Fayette County, GA –a metro Atlanta County with 515 paved miles, 48 gravel roads, and $6.6 million in annual road funding – assistant director Bradley Klinger has transformed how pavement preservation and asphalt recycling are practiced. Since joining the county in 2011, Klinger has shifted Fayette from

This article was originally published in the Winter 2025 Pavement Preservation Journal

LINDSAY MATUSH

relying almost exclusively on overlays and reconstruction to deploying a full range of preservation and recycling techniques.

Klinger’s toolbox expansion is impressive. Fayette County now employs chip seals, micro surfacing, asphalt rejuvenation, crack sealing, resurfacing, scrub seals, HA5 mineral bond applications, Reclamite, and full-depth reclamation . In 2024, he introduced hot in-place recycling (HIR) and plans to pilot mastics and new rejuvenators in 2025. This approach has allowed the county to impact more pavements each year, addressing 30 to 40 centerline miles annually compared to 15 to 25 before 2020.

Importantly, Klinger has reshaped the budget conversation. As of 2024, 40% of Fayette County’s road budget is dedicated to preservation, a figure that continues to climb each year. By reframing preservation as a cost-saving investment, he has ensured consistent PCI scores between 77 and 78 since 2016, a remarkable achievement for a suburban county facing heavy commuter traffic.

Klinger is also a powerful advocate for preservation beyond his own county. He has presented to senior leadership teams in neighboring counties, hosted live demonstrations of multiple treatments at APWA’s PWX expo in Atlanta, and produced educational videos like Avoid Sky High Asphalt Costs. These outreach efforts have helped increase preservation and recycling activity regionally, helping to lower unit prices as more agencies adopt similar strategies and contractors adapt to the demand.

His approach to pilot programs is another hallmark of his leadership. By testing new treatments in real-world conditions, then documenting and sharing results, Fayette County has become a

From the oil fields of Alberta to the suburbs of Atlanta, Tyler Lawrason and Bradley Klinger have shown that network management is more than a set of tools; it’s a mindset.

proving ground for innovation. Suppliers, agencies, and neighboring governments all benefit from the county’s transparent and data-driven experiments.

Looking forward, Klinger is preparing bids for FY26 treatments that include HIR, eFlex micro surfacing, FDR, crack sealing, and new asphalt rejuvenators. He’s also collaborating with suppliers on emerging products. Importantly, he plans to expand documentation of preservation’s impact, ensuring that future decisions are backed by both data and demonstrated results.

The Horizon Award celebrates Bradley Klinger’s success in reshaping Fayette County’s program into one of the Southeast’s most progressive, while also raising awareness and inspiring networkfirst thinking throughout the region.

Mindset Of Management

From the oil fields of Alberta to the suburbs of Atlanta, Tyler Lawrason and Bradley Klinger have shown that network management is more than a set of tools; it’s a mindset. Both leaders faced entrenched mentalities and structural challenges, yet each has demonstrated how science, data, innovation and education can transform entire networks.

As 2024 Horizon Award winners, Lawrason and Klinger stand as reminders that the future of pavement management is already here – driven by leaders willing to innovate, educate, and champion preservation for the good of their communities.

For more information on all of the Horizon and Network Hero Award winners, see PPRA’s past webinars at the adjacent QR code.

Take

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Vice President

Cell: 404-587-1228

3939 Moreland Ave

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chris@afs1.net

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STRATEGIC PLAN

2026-2029

The Strategic Plan represents the collective efforts of the Georgia Chapter, and sets the vision, mission, and strategic goals for the coming years.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

The primary objective of APWA is to create valuable connections and solutions for those serving our communities through public works. In compliance with the Strategic Plan adopted by APWA National, the GA Chapter has identified the following vision, mission, and strategic goals:

VISION

Advancing quality of life for all.

MISSION

Support those who operate, improve and maintain public works and infrastructure through advocacy, education & member engagement.

STRATEGIC GOALS

On behalf of its members and the public works profession, the GA Chapter has identified the following high level strategic goals to achieve the vision and mission of APWA National while furthering the growth, development and fiscal responsibility of the Chapter.

VALUE

Promote the value of public works and enhance its visibility and awareness.

VOICE

Be the voice of public works to government leaders, the public, and media.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Provide excellence in education and credentialing.

MEMBERSHIP AND BRANCHES

Deliver an outstanding and valuable membership experience in collaboration with chapters.

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The People Powering GA APWA

Advancing Public Works Through Leadership and Service

TERESA C. SMITH, PE, PMP, DBIA, PRINCIPAL, A&S ENGINEERING

Series Introduction

The American Public Works Association (APWA) is an international organization dedicated to advancing professional excellence and promoting public awareness of public works and infrastructure. For more than a century, APWA has served as a leading voice for public works professionals, supporting education, credentialing, advocacy, and leadership development across North America.

The Georgia Chapter of APWA (GA APWA) carries that mission forward at the state level by fostering professional growth, encouraging collaboration among agencies and industry partners, and strengthening the delivery of public works services throughout Georgia. Through technical programs, conferences, committee engagement, leadership opportunities, and networking events, GA APWA provides members with meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and serve.

We are powered by dedicated professionals whose leadership often extends well beyond their daily responsibilities. The People Powering GA APWA is a recurring magazine series designed to introduce Chapter members to the individuals who serve as the GA APWA Officers and Executive Board, and to provide more information on the Chapter Committees.

As we celebrate the Chapter’s 75th Anniversary, our first act was to update the Chapter’s Strategic Plan. This year, the Executive

Board is looking forward to our future as we are refocusing and realigning to develop and identify Strategic SMART Goals and initiatives to support the “Georgia Chapter Setting the PACE.”

We want to keep the membership connected and informed of our activities by first introducing our Executive Board. Through structured interviews, this series will highlight each leader’s professional journey, personal background, pathway to involvement with APWA, and vision for the Chapter’s future. By sharing these stories, we aim to strengthen connections across the Chapter, encourage member engagement, and showcase the commitment to service that drives public works excellence throughout Georgia. Articles regarding the Committees will highlight their objectives and illustrate how they contribute to advancing the Chapter's strategic direction.

The objective of this series is to offer members an informative perspective on the leadership of the GA Chapter while encouraging active participation at both the Branch and Committee levels. Our Chapter structure reflects a President at the helm supported by Officers, National Delegate Liaison, District Directors, Chapter Committees and Branches. Our leadership is elected on an annual basis by the general membership via a slate of officers presented during the Annual meeting each summer. Anyone interested in increasing their participation is encouraged to email apwa.georgia@gmail.com

The People Powering GA APWA

INTRODUCTION

Public Works is powered by people, professionals who choose careers of service, leadership, and lasting community impact. Our first two installments of The People Powering GA APWA will introduce our Chapter Officers. These Officers include the President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past President, and Chapter Delegate. Our President, Chuck Mathis, has written a special message, separate from the series, so we start this series with our President Elect and Vice President.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The President serves as the Chief Elected Officer of the Chapter and serves a term of one year. The President-Elect serves a term of one year and shall assume the office of President upon completion of the term of office of President-Elect. The Vice President shall act for the President and President-Elect in their absence and at the end of their one-year term becomes the President-Elect. The Treasurer is elected annually to serve a term of one year and is responsible for all financial aspects of the Chapter. The Secretary is elected annually to serve a term of one year and shall keep all records and correspondence of the Chapter.

Featured Leader

Reginald Anderson, EIT, Public Works Director

City of Lawrenceville, GA

Board Role – GA APWA President-Elect

Years in Public Works – 30 | Years with APWA – 18

BACKGROUND

“I grew up in the world of construction. My father was a brick mason, and I started providing “free labor” around the age of seven, pushing a wheelbarrow on jobsites with my father. Over time, something was fulfilling about looking at the plans and seeing the actual building that came from those plans and from that point, I was hooked.“

Reginald found that he was getting good grades and followed his path to Southern Poly Technical State University (now Kennesaw State University), where he obtained a degree in Civil Engineering Technology. He began his career as an Engineering Assistant II with Fulton County and progressively set his sights on becoming a Public Works Director, establishing this as his long-term professional objective. In 2014, he achieved this goal when he accepted the Public Works Director position with the City of Chamblee.

APWA INVOLVEMENT & BOARD SERVICE

Reginald was introduced to APWA by fellow APWA member Leo Owens when he worked for DeKalb County, but did not join at that time. However, Leo was persistent and encouraged him to attend meetings at the Metro Branch. Over time, an opportunity became available to serve in a District Director position, and he was approached about the position. At that time, Reginald was in Chamble and had served under several managers and had evolved into a manager himself. He felt that he could bring value to the chapter and his staff by offering continual improvement to some of the things that he observed from some of his former managers and predecessors. Reginald considers himself a servant leader who focuses on his staff and the people that they serve.

He holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and is dedicated to establishing effective processes within his organization. Reginald values his time spent with APWA and feels that one of the most significant things that APWA has brought to his professional

development and leadership growth is “networking and meeting others that are interested in what we do in the industry.”

CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES

Reginald sees one of the primary goals and challenges of the Chapter as reaching the younger generation and passing along the skills and passion for Public Works. Encouraging people to really get to know what Public Works is all about and to understand that it is not just a “thankless job” where people are “taken for granted.” Instead of presenting and reflecting that it is an opportunity to give back to your community, that Public Works has a positive impact on quality of life, and the services are necessary in each and every community.

Reginald envisions that the Georgia Chapter will continue to encourage the younger generation to choose a career in public works so that we can pass along skills to the next generation. Some suggestions include developing succession plans, getting involved with mentorship, and adding more opportunities to educate schools and the public about public works.

PERSONAL INSIGHT

When asked about his approach to work-life balance, he provided a straightforward answer: he maintains clear boundaries. While at work, he is diligent and focused on his responsibilities. Conversely, when at home, he makes a concerted effort to

“ Public Works is not a clean job, in many instances, it’s a thankless job. People take things for granted and we make sure that they can take it for granted. We work when no one else wants to work. We work in conditions that no one wants to work, but we do it, and most of the time we do it without complaints.”

disconnect from professional tasks. In his leisure time, Reginald enjoys traveling, cooking, and occasionally grilling.

Here are some notable facts: He was the first baby born in Toombs County, GA, during the 1970s. In 1988, the inaugural year of Toombs County High School, he became the first African American male Salutatorian. That same year marked the only instance when both the Valedictorian and Salutatorian were African American, with an African American male and female, respectively, each earning those honors.