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CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
2022 TCAPWA Awards
A.C. Lock Public Works Leader of the Year Award
John Fox, Public Utilities Manager, Town of Collierville
Established in long-time leader A.C. Lock’s memory, this award is given to the Chapter’s
Past President, following his year of service and honoring his dedication to the TCAPWA
Chapter and the ideals of APWA.
Those qualities are evident in John Fox’s work, although he came to Public Works perhaps
later than others, at the age of 30. Before that time, he served in the U.S. military as an Jones
infantryman and explosive ordinance disposal technician. He also was a sheriff’s deputy,
became a contractor performing environmental remediation projects for the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, and finally came to Public Works at Collierville Public Services.
There, his boss, Past TCAPWA President Bill Kilp, served as a mentor who introduced him
to TCAPWA, and Fox began serving as West Branch Chapter Director, as an instructor at
the Tennessee Public Works Institute, and eventually, as TCAPWA President.
W. Larry Eddins Award
Kimberly Strong, Constituent Services Director, City of Chattanooga
Kimberly Strong has represented the chapter in a multitude of ways over the past years, and
served as TCAPWA Lower East Branch Director most recently before being hired by the
City of Chattanooga in her present position. Strong, former Public Information Specialist
for the City of Chattanooga’s Department of Public Works, said her new responsibilities
include coordinating citizen engagement events and handling all citizen concerns received
by the Mayor and City Council. Strong
She previously was Public Information Specialist for the City of Chattanooga’s Department
of Public Works, was Chair of the National APWA Committee for Diversity and
Inclusion, was a Tennessee Delegate to the APWA Council of Chapters and served as an
Accreditation Evaluator Team Member.
Roger Clark Award
Chad Weth, City of Knoxville Public Service Director
With a background in Human Resources, Chad Weth initially was hired as the City of
Knoxville’s Deputy Director of Public Service to facilitate change by strengthening and
standardizing policies, identifying areas in need of training, and increasing employee
accountability. He quickly discovered that he enjoyed the public works world and has
remained with the City of Knoxville, now serving as Director of the Public Service
Department.
Weth has been an active member of TCAPWA for 12 years. He is currently on the Weth
State Conference Planning Committee and has helped plan and implement four state
conferences (i.e. aiding in securing speakers, developing agendas, and organizing
moderators). Chad has served in several positions for the state chapter, including being on
the Awards Committee and Education Chair (2016-present).
Edward C. Archer Young Public Works Leader of the Year Award
Scott Jenkins, Planning and Safety Manager, City of Knoxville
Scott Jenkins started his career in the private construction industry and joined the public
sector at the City of Knoxville in 2011. He competed in its local rodeo within the first
year, and as an excellent equipment operator. When Jenkins was promoted to foreman, he
started attending the local TCAPWA meetings to gain knowledge, network, and just get
more involved.
He was promoted to Planning and Safety Manager, getting progressively more involved
in both the local and state chapter of APWA. He serves on a “working committee” of the Jenkins
16 TPW January/February 2023