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LEBANON By Regina (Santana) Calvo-Arline
Lessons Learned & Continued Growth

Several years ago, just before the onset It’s been a busy, challenging two years, but
of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phillip looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Jones from Nashville Department of As my term as president ends, I want to
Transportation (NDOT) reached out to take a moment to share a few key lessons
me with an unexpected request. He asked I’ve learned along the way.
me to serve as the Middle Branch Director Key Lessons Learned
for TCAPWA.
My immediate response was a firm “no.” • You’ll hear “NO” sometimes – but it may
Phillip countered, explaining that I only be a “not right now.”
would be the first female Middle Branch Saying no or hearing no to something
Director. I appreciated the honor but still doesn’t always mean it’s forever.
politely declined. Sometimes you just need the right
At that time, as an introvert, stepping timing.
into the spotlight was not on my to-do list. • Get out of your comfort zone.
Anyone who knows me well understands If I had stayed in my comfort zone, I
that I prefer to accomplish things quietly wouldn’t be where I am today—both
in the background. professionally and as TCAPWA’s of you, you’re limiting your own growth
A few weeks later, Phillip reached president. Growth happens outside of and the potential of your team.
out again, this time with renewed comfort. • Nobody’s perfect.
determination, and somehow, I found • Step away from your desk. We all make mistakes—some of us
myself agreeing to take on the role of I once attended a technical session at more often than others! It’s important to
Middle Branch Director. the National APWA conference titled remember that perfection is unrealistic,
Ironically, my tenure as Director turned “You Can’t Lead from Behind a Desk,” and we should allow for growth and
out to be entirely during the COVID-19 and it really hit home. I had tried to learning within our teams.
pandemic. Our plans for in-person lead from behind the scenes during my
quarterly meetings quickly transitioned to time as the Engineering Director for the • Support your team, and they’ll support you.
virtual formats. Despite the challenges, we City of Lebanon, but now as Utilities If you have your team’s back, they’ll
made the best of a difficult situation. Director, I realized that effective have yours. This creates a cycle of
Fast forward to a TCAPWA Board leadership requires being active in the mutual trust and respect that ultimately
Dinner three years ago. The executive field, learning from your team, and benefits your organization and the
committee was preparing to vote on a understanding operations firsthand. community you serve.
slate of officers to be presented to the • Never stop learning.
TCAPWA membership at the Vendor • Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. No matter how much experience you
Breakfast just two days later. When you step out from behind the have or how much you think you know,
As the slate of officers was read, I was desk, dress appropriately and be ready there’s always something new to learn.
stunned to hear my name announced as to get involved. Leading by example Stay open to new ideas, feedback, and
Vice President. I hadn’t agreed to that means being willing to work just as hard opportunities to grow.
role! as your team. • Offer your hand to help someone else up.
Early last year, just as I was stepping • Sometimes, manage up. Life and work are not a competition.
into the President Elect role for TCAPWA, For years, I watched the Equipment When one of us wins, we all win.
I was also unexpectedly asked to serve Roadeo at our annual conference and Helping others succeed lifts everyone,
as the interim Utilities Director for the wished we could field a team. The creating stronger teams and stronger
City of Lebanon. Two years earlier, I operators weren’t under my department communities.
had applied for the position but was not at the time, but when I moved into
selected. my new role, I decided it was time. A Few Thank Yous
That “no” had stung, and it took me Lebanon entered its first team during As I reflect on my journey, I have
a week—or maybe two—to fully get the Nashville conference—and we had several people to thank for their
back on track, refocusing on my role as a blast! This will now be an annual unwavering support, not just over the last
Engineering Director and continuing to tradition for our city. My only regret is year but throughout my entire career.
serve our community. Then, out of the not having done it sooner. Jody, thank you for teaching me what
blue, our mayor came to my office and • Surround yourself with people who know true leadership looks like – how to have
asked me to step into the role of Utilities things you don’t. your team’s back, collaborate with them,
Director immediately. Diversity is crucial—whether in and truly value their input.
Life has a funny way of presenting perspective, skills, or experience. If Lee, you will always be my #1 draft pick
opportunities when you least expect them. everyone around you is a carbon copy when I need help at work. Thank you for
22 TPW January/February 2025