Fort Worth director of transportation and public works named top in his field

by PegNews wire

William A. Verkest, P.E., director of transportation and public works for the City of Fort Worth, Texas, was named a 2009 Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year by the American Public Works Association (APWA). He will be presented with the award at 4 p.m. on Wed., May 20, during a celebration at the Fort Worth Club (306 West 7th Street).

APWA annually recognizes 10 of the most outstanding public works professionals from across the U.S. and Canada for their professionalism, expertise and career-long dedication and service. Marking the 50th anniversary of the award, the distinction is among the most coveted and prestigious presented by the Association.

“Bill has demonstrated his leadership abilities and his dedication to improving services to the public, providing educational opportunities and community involvement as an employee in both the public and private sectors,” said Mary Ann Summerfield, APWA Oklahoma Chapter delegate. “He is a model of professionalism.”

Throughout his professional career, Verkest has been a leader in the municipal engineering arena. In January 2009 he assumed the position of director of transportation and public works for the City of Fort Worth, Texas. In addition to working in the private sector for HDR Inc., Verkest has held multiple leadership positions in public work administration for cities in Texas and Colorado. For 25 years he served in the capacities of Civil Engineering Officer, Civil Engineering Director and Civil Engineering Commander for the United States Air Force, completing military service at the rank of Colonel.

While with the City of McKinney, Texas, Verkest led a department for a city that planned to double in size (75,000 to 150,000) during his tenure. Verkest developed “Public Works 150,” a strategic approach to creating a public works division capable of meeting the demands of a city twice its current size. He also improved overall productivity through skill-set development of superintendents and recognition of staff as a total resource.

Verkest has been very active in APWA during his 41 years of membership. He served as National President (2006-07) and held multiple positions at the national and chapter levels. He is a Past President of the Texas Chapter’s North Central Texas Branch, was a member of the Planning Committee for the 1995 APWA International Public Works Congress & Exposition, and served as the Texas Chapter Delegate (1997-99). Verkest was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Excavation Safety System, Inc. (2000-03).

For a complete list of APWA Top 10 recipients from 1960 to present, visit www.apwa.net/about/awards.asp.

Source: American Public Works Association