Page 6 - July-Aug2023 Vol41 No2

GERMANTOWN By Stacey Crockett
Mills Named One of 2023 Top 10

Public Works Leaders of the Year

to the City in various Public Works “I am so honored to receive this award.
positions. In his current role, he supervises It’s a career pinnacle and it means so much
the programs and personnel associated because I was chosen by my peers,” said
with animal control, street maintenance, Mills, referring to the award selection
state street aid, stormwater maintenance, process, in which past Top 10 recipients
water production and distribution, sewer evaluate nominations and choose the
collection, solid waste collection and many winners. “I’ve been blessed to have
utility-related projects. been taught, led and supported by some
It’s a big job with many moving pieces, outstanding public works practitioners
and Mills executes it with unwavering who have made me look good over
commitment, a friendly demeanor the years. I’m proud to have served the
and a positive attitude that uplifts and residents of Germantown for these past
motivates his team members, to whom he 38 years, providing crucial quality-of-life
consistently credits his successes. services.”
Now, the American Public Works Working his way to the top
Association (APWA) is honoring Mills
for his many professional and personal Mills’ career path models the
accomplishments. quintessential story of starting out in
The not-for-profit, 30,000+-member, an entry-level position and working
City of Germantown Public Works international organization has named hard to continuously level up. Fresh out
Director Bo Mills knows the streets of Mills one of the 2023 Top 10 Public Works of college with a bachelor’s degree in
Germantown like the back of his hand. He Leaders of the Year, one of the industry’s Public Administration from University of
also knows what’s under those streets, the highest accolades. Recipients of the Tennessee at Martin, he began working for
land that surrounds them and the water award embody professionalism, expertise the City in 1985 as a Sewer Department
that flows around and through them. and personal dedication to improving equipment operator, operating a backhoe
Throughout his entire working career, the quality of life in their communities and repairing sewer taps. That December,
Mills has spent nearly four decades through the advancement of public works he was promoted to construction project
contributing his knowledge and talents services and technology. manager, overseeing the construction of
two parks.

Stan Brown, APWA Past President, with Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year
Award recipient Bo Mills, Germantown Public Works Director. - Photo by John Chlarson
6 TPW July/August 2023