What is a public works professional to do? Perceptions from an educator Mabel Tinjacá, Ph.D. Director of Professional Development American Public Works Association Kansas City, Missouri
he world changed in 2008 and those public works professionals who watched the news reports knew that it was only a matter of time before agencies, consultants and communities would feel the effects. Today, just four years later, we hear about agencies and consulting firms that have instituted four-day work weeks that have restructured and downsized or have had to redefine themselves. Once again, public works professionals have had to step up to the plate to do more with fewer resources. At the same time, those same people are keeping an eye on the deteriorating infrastructure. For many leaders within public works, the demands of the new reality are requiring them to plan, problemsolve and make decisions about situations that are more complex, more sophisticated and in areas not traditionally a part of public works. The rules of the game seem to be changing. While the economy appears to be recovering, public works agencies will probably be the last to feel the effects of the improvement, and certainly things will never be the same as before 2008. What are public works professionals to do? What should professionals new to public works do? What is an association to do?
8 APWA Reporter
November 2012
A tried-and-true public works strategy is the way to go; that is, to see opportunities in challenges. It’s time to reevaluate skills, knowledge, opportunities against strengths and tap into the experience of leaders who have “been there, done that.” In 2011, the APWA Board of Directors, understanding that the world had changed, launched the Donald C. Stone Center for Leadership Excellence in Public Works. Today, just a year and a half later, the DCS Center is here for you. Consider what a credential and participating in the program could mean to you, your career, your agency, your consulting firm, your chapter and most importantly to your community. The DCS Center program was designed specifically for the public works profession, taking advantage of the biggest resource any association could ever hope to have: experienced leaders with a heart for community service who will serve as mentors, fulfilling the legacy of Donald C. Stone, the founder of APWA, inspiring public service stewardship and excellence in professional standards. The many aspects of the DCS Center—some still in formation— are meant to position public works professionals as substantial contributors to the future. It is also meant to position candidates
for growth and development. The program comprises a grand scale succession strategy and an applied research center to continue the contribution to the public works body of knowledge. So, what is a new or experienced public works professional to do given the state of affairs? Seize the opportunity to become a public works professional who has earned a credential from APWA. Why? •
The program requirements will promote, encourage and reinforce critical thinking.
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Given the rigors of the program, the credentials will gain respect among decision makers.
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The credential symbolizes the value of public service and you will join the ranks of other likeminded professionals.
Consider what the future will bring and where you will be as it unfolds around you. Play a role in making the future the best it can be for those who will follow after you. A credential from APWA will position you to make a difference in your agency or consulting firm, your profession and your community. Mabel Tinjacá can be reached at (816) 595-5214 or mtinjaca@apwa.net.