Page 16 - JanFeb2026 Vol 43 No 6

STATEWIDE By Lisa Hood Skinner, CTA
Getting to Know the Branch Directors

David Collins, Lower East Rocky Robinson, Middle Jonathan Whitfield, West Scott Jenkins, Upper East

The new year brings leadership changes of Chattanooga, said he hoped “to Jonathan Whitfield, West Branch
to our TCAPWA roster of hard-working strengthen professional development jonathan.whitfield@memphistn.gov
Branch Directors. Kristin Franklin, City opportunities by expanding training, Jonathan Whitfield, City of Memphis
of Chattanooga General Supervisor in certification pathways and peer-to-peer Public Works Street and Right of Way
Water Quality, is turning over the Lower knowledge sharing.” Maintenance Administrator, said he
East Branch directorship to David Collins, “I believe TCAPWA brings tremendous “hopes to get more cities involved,
Administration Manager with the City value to its members by creating a have a constant communication line,
of Chattanooga. Additionally, Casin strong professional community where and get more involvement for the state
Swann, formerly Middle Branch Director, knowledge, resources, and real-world conference.” A positive TCAPWA State
has become TCAPWA’s Vice President, experience are shared openly,” Collins Conference experience encouraged
handing over the Middle Branch said. “It provides access to training, Whitfield to become more familiar with
leadership to Rocky Robinson, Nashville leadership development, and best the organization.
Department of Transportation (NDOT). practices that help members grow in their “I found out about TCAPWA through
We thank both Franklin and Swann careers and improve the quality of services
for a solid year of excellent service to in their communities.” another member, Ethan Skaggs,” he said.
“Initially, I got involved by attending the
their branches and the chapter. We also Rocky Robinson, Middle Branch 2019 State Conference in Chattanooga.
welcome back our other two Branch william.robinson@nashville.gov After the first conference, I truly enjoyed
Directors who continue to serve the the comradery and knowledge I could
specific TCAPWA chapter branches: William “Rocky” Robinson, new Middle gain from other Public Works personnel
Jonathan Whitfield of Memphis, West Branch Director and Transportation and vendors across the state and country.”
Branch, and Scott Jenkins, City of Administrator for the Metropolitan
Knoxville, Upper East Branch. Government of Nashville and Davidson Scott Jenkins, Upper East Branch
The state’s topography may be diverse County, said he felt TCAPWA “is an sjenkins@knoxvilletn.gov
in its different regions across Tennessee, essential resource for all its members as Finally, Scott Jenkins, Deputy Director
but the four 2026 leaders have impressive we explore new ways to innovate and of Fleet Services for the City of Knoxville,
goals and similar aspirations in leading deliver the highest level of service to our said through his continued role as
TCAPWA and promoting its services. customers.” He said he was motivated TCAPWA Upper East Branch Director,
Here’s a closer look at how these leaders to join the organization by his boss and he hopes to increase participation in East
plan to guide their branches as they help former TCAPWA President Phillip Jones, Tennessee municipalities “that have been
educate and inspire our members. “who encouraged our active involvement underrepresented or nonmembers in
in the association and taught us the
David Collins, Lower East Branch importance of the relationships we’ve built years’ past.”
dcollins@chattanooga.gov through our participation.” He said if the organization increases its
Shared top aspirations among the four Robinson said his top three 2026 networking opportunities, “it grows our
individuals for 2026 include increasing priorities are “to strengthen professional young professional program” in important
membership numbers and providing development and membership growth, ways, including enabling new members to
meaningful chapter programs and advance innovation, collaboration & best learn from their peers.
experiences. New Branch Director for practices, and strengthen advocacy and
Lower East Branch, David Collins, community awareness of Public Works.”
Administration Manager for the City
16 TPW January/February 2026