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CITY OF CHATTANOOGA By Errol Williams
APWA Accreditation: Double Milestones

for Public Works Department and

Wastewater Treatment Plant

The City of Chattanooga’s Public Works transparent through the evaluation Public Works Department operated
Department and Wastewater Treatment process.” under a unified framework of best
Plant are demonstrating an unwavering “This is a very big accomplishment, and practices, reinforcing its commitment to
commitment to excellence and everyone deserves a pat on the back!” he transparency and excellence.
transparency through the successful re- said. His words reflected the collective A Big Win for Chattanooga’s Citizens
accreditation of its core functions and the pride and sense of achievement felt For the citizens of Chattanooga, this
groundbreaking first-time accreditation of throughout the department. accreditation offers tangible benefits
the Wastewater Division by the American Henson and Steinmann’s leadership and reinforces the principles central to
Public Works Association (APWA). was instrumental in guiding the intricate Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly’s “One
This dual achievement underscores the process, fostering a collaborative Chattanooga” vision. One of the key tenets
department’s dedication to upholding environment where each division of this vision is trust and transparency.
the highest standards in public service embraced the opportunity to showcase By achieving APWA accreditation, we
and its proactive approach to continuous their commitment to best practices. are demonstrating our commitment to
improvement. Successful accreditation The pursuit of accreditation reflects the open and accountable operations. The
efforts were led by City of Chattanooga Chattanooga Public Works Department’s evaluation process demands complete
officials Jerramy Wood, Public Works fundamental goal of maintaining transparency in how we manage our
Administrator; Mark Heinzer, Wastewater complete transparency with the citizens resources, train our personnel, and deliver
Administrator; Cedric Henson, Public it serves. essential services.
Works Deputy Administrator, and Jusin By voluntarily subjecting its operations The Chattanooga Public Works
Steinmann, Wastewater Director of to external scrutiny and adhering to Department boasts a wealth of talent, with
Administration. Henson and Steinmann nationally recognized standards, the award-winning team members spanning
served as accreditation managers. department reinforces to the community various divisions. These individuals
Evaluation Process Covered its accountability and commitment to have garnered national recognition for
Wide Spectrum continuous improvement. This dedication their expertise and dedication, further
ensures that Chattanooga residents benefit
The Chattanooga team navigated enhancing the department’s reputation for
through a rigorous evaluation process from a Public Works system that is not excellence.
only reliable, but also at the forefront of
encompassing 156 comprehensive innovation and best practices. The APWA accreditation serves
sections of the Public Works Management to amplify this existing recognition,
Practices Manual, meticulously Showcasing current technology formally acknowledging the collective
documenting and demonstrating and training commitment to professional standards
adherence to industry best practices. The This commitment to progress is and continuous improvement across the
exhaustive assessment covered a wide evident in the department’s embrace of entire organization.
spectrum of operational facets, from the latest technology, its investment in Monthly Leadership Class Initiated
administrative management and financial comprehensive training programs, and Recognizing the critical role of
practices to infrastructure maintenance, its focus on fostering strong leadership at effective leadership in achieving
safety protocols, and customer service. all levels. organizational goals, Wood initiated a
Successful completion of this demanding The accreditation process itself monthly leadership class open to all city
process speaks volumes about the encourages a culture of proactive planning employees. What began as a program for
department’s dedication and expertise. and performance evaluation, ensuring mid-level management quickly expanded
Wood said the accreditation “means that the department remains adaptable to include individuals at every level of
that our organization has volunteered to and responsive to the evolving needs of the organizational chart who sought
be assessed on our practices and policies, the community. The collaborative effort to enhance their communication and
and we operate within the recommended extended beyond operational alignment. leadership skills.
practices by the Public Works Manual. Departments also worked together This proactive investment in human
This ensures that we are meeting the to ensure consistency in areas such as capital underscores the department’s
recommended guidelines in training, training programs, safety protocols, understanding that strong leadership
competence, performance, planning, and and customer service standards. The at all levels is essential for delivering
several other areas, and we are completely holistic approach ensured that the entire
14 TPW July/August 2025