APWA Past Presidents reflect on history and future of the industry
his is a special year for our industry and our association; a time for looking back at all we have accomplished and congratulate ourselves over how far we have come. We look to three APWA Past National Presidents for their thoughts on their presidential terms and how they view the public works industry then and now. During your term, what were the most noteworthy or outstanding projects and/or events that occurred during your tenure? Please include any years or dates known. George Crombie (APWA President 2010-11): During my tenure, I believe that the most important event for APWA was making major strides to addressing the challenges of a changing world and preparing our members for that tipping point. One of the many accomplishments included a new Global Solutions for Public Works program implemented to provide members and chapters the opportunity to explore the world engaging in partnerships, exploring new technologies, being introduced to new professional opportunities, and making friendships around the world. Produced in 2011, the emergency management “Think Tank Report” calls for an APWA National Emergency Management Plan that was endorsed by the APWA Board of Directors. We must now ensure the recommendations are carried out in a timely manner. You need to look back only 30 days to see the devastation of 62 APWA Reporter
June 2012
Hurricane Irene, the flooding in New Orleans and the wildfires in Texas to recognize the need for this plan. Also in 2011, the Government Affairs Committee outlined a new strategic plan to ensure that investments in legislative initiatives are being spent effectively and wisely. In a world of instant gratification, there is a call to action to all those who impact the development of livable cities to partner with one another in making the case for a national plan that invests in sustainable infrastructure in order to bring population growth and natural resources into equilibrium. Last year, the APWA Board became a founding member with ASCE and ACEC to develop the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). Sustainability will form the foundation for decision making in the public works field in the future. Sustainability is not a checklist, but a thought process that allows you to adapt and build sustainable models that integrate natural systems and technology. Think of sustainability as developing a new DNA chain to bring mankind and the environment into equilibrium. I’m happy to report this morning that ISI has signed a letter of understanding with Harvard University that will provide ISI and the public works community with a world stage in cutting-edge ideas and thoughts in the world of sustainability. Among these listed milestones, the most important achievement of APWA this past year was the creation of a comprehensive educational
and credentialing program for the public works profession. The new educational center is called the APWA Donald C. Stone Center for Leadership Excellence in Public Works. Education remains the greatest resource a human being possesses. Larry Frevert (APWA President 2007-08): I look back on my year as APWA President as one when natural disaster emergencies tested the mettle of public works personnel across North America. In the fall of 2007, wildfires in California destroyed homes and properties and threatened many others. APWA called on Governor Schwarzenegger to recognize public works personnel as “first responders” and he did so. The next spring, during the “Super Tuesday” Storm (Primary Election Day, February 5, 2008), 87 confirmed tornadoes ripped through much of the southeastern and Midwestern United States, resulting in many deaths and injuries and significant property damage. That spring, severe flooding occurred along the Mississippi River and its tributaries in the Midwest with the State of Iowa being especially hard hit. All the while, the Gulf Coast states were continuing their recovery efforts from the Katrina hurricane of 2005. Public works first responders were on the scene helping with the initial evacuations and life stabilization efforts and then remained on the scene long after others had gone, restoring their communities’ quality of life.
