Last week, the Sacramento chapter of the American Public Works Association recognized some of their own as professionals who went exemplified best management practices in 2012. The awards were released in conjunction with the kick off of National Public Works Week.

“We had an outstanding pool of award recipients this year,” said Diane Nakano, president of AWPA Sacramento. “We are honored to recognize these five managers for their hard work and dedication to serving their communities and furthering innovation.”

In order to be considered for recognition, all nominees must have spent at least 10 years of service in their respective fields, and have made significant contributions to their fields.

The five winners were:

David Abansado, Director of Civil and Track Design for the Sacramento Regional Transit District (Engineering and Technology)
Darryl Abansado has nearly two decades of specialized experience in the design and management of transit projects. He rose to his leadership role at the Sacramento Regional Transit District from his start there as a project engineer. In response to an unprecedented budget crisis for the Sacramento Regional Transit District over the last several years, Abansado was given an important leadership overseeing all design projects in 2010. He is highly respected and appreciated by his co-workers and staff.

Richard Battersby, Director of UC Davis Fleet Services (Public Fleet)
Richard Battersby ended an $800,000-a-year deficit trend with no layoffs or rate changes in his role as director of fleet services for UC Davis. His monthly morale-building departmental picnics and barbecues show his dedication to making sure his employees are recognized and appreciated for their work. Winning the 2010 Fleet Environmental Leadership Award also demonstrates his effort to maintain a green environment for his community.

Ryan DeVore, Chief Building Official for the City of Sacramento (Administrative Management)
Ryan DeVore oversees a $7 million budget and a staff of 40 in managing the City of Sacramento’s building division. DeVore began his career with the city in 2004 and rose from senior civil engineer to chief building official in 2011, where he has shown great leadership. Most notably, DeVore worked with staff to establish a flat fee for solar projects, a move that reduced applicant fees by 77 percent while still ensuring full cost recovery.

Jim Konopka, Senior Park Planner and Trails Development Coordinator for the City of Folsom (Facilities and Ground)
Ryan DeVore oversees a $7 million budget and a staff of 40 in managing the City of Sacramento’s building division. DeVore began his career with the city in 2004 and rose from senior civil engineer to chief building official in 2011, where he has shown great leadership. Most notably, DeVore worked with staff to establish a flat fee for solar projects, a move that reduced applicant fees by 77 percent while still ensuring full cost recovery.

John R. Scott, Maintenance and Operations Manager for the City of Elk Grove (Transportation)
John Scott works diligently for Elk Grove, as the city’s maintenance and operations manager. He has a strong background in maintenance and operations, transportation, administration and customer service, both in the public and private sectors. He has been a progressive leader in the community for more than 20 years, and was a key member of the organizational committee that planned and delivered a new half marathon, “Running of the Elk,” which drew 2,300 runners in its inaugural race on April 1st in Elk Grove.

The Sacramento Chapter of the APWA works with members in areas as far north as the Oregon/California border and as far south as Mono, Tuolumne, and San Joaquin counties.