Page 22 - March-April25 Vol42 No7

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

Statewide, the TCAPWA chapter Andrea Eales, Marty Williams, and the “Initially, I got involved by attending the
includes a diverse mix of geography and APWA National Government Affairs 2019 State Conference in Chattanooga.
demographics within its cities, counties, along with the Tennessee General After the first conference, I truly enjoyed
and towns. Assembly to look at how legislation can the comradery and knowledge I could
We’re spotlighting our Branch be drawn up and passed as a part of gain from other Public Works personnel
Directors (two returning directors, and the 114th Tennessee General Assembly. and vendors across the state and country.”
two new ones) who represent distinctly If our efforts are successful, it would Whitfield said he’d like to provide
different areas within Tennessee, yet are allow all Public Works personnel to be similar inspiration to his branch
unified in their top 2025 objectives in recognized as First Responders at the members. “My ultimate goal for
their regions. state level,” Swann said. the branch is to gain more active
Their top aspirations for this year Lower East membership, while also introducing new
include increasing membership numbers Branch vendors and/or products available in
and providing meaningful chapter Public Works.”
programs and experiences. Here’s a closer Director, Kristin “I hope to convey that through
look at these leaders who’ll be guiding Franklin: City TCAPWA, I’ve gained new knowledge
their branches as they help educate and of Chattanooga and skills from its extensive network. This
inspire our members. General allows me to better serve the citizens of
Middle Branch Supervisor in the City of Memphis, and I believe it could
Director, Casin Water Quality help others in the same way,” he said.
As a
Swann: Director second time branch director, Kristin Upper East
of Business Franklin hopes this time to gain more Branch Director,
Development active members, hold more in-person Scott Jenkins:
at Pavement gatherings, and introduce new vendors City of Knoxville,
Restorations, to those in Chattanooga and the Fleet Services
Inc. /PRI of East surrounding area. Deputy Director
Tennessee “I have been involved in TCAPWA for Competing
“2025 marks my Silver Anniversary in several years and have attended many in TCAPWA’s
the construction/Public Works industry. state conferences, as well as PWX in equipment rodeo
When I reflect over those 25 years, the Charlotte in 2022. I hope by working gave new Branch Director Scott Jenkins
first thing which jumps out to me is the with my fellow TCAPWA mentor and an opportunity to get involved with the
lifelong friends I have been blessed to the current Chapter President, Kimberly organization early in his career with the
make through this industry,” Swann said. Strong, we will be able to host several City of Knoxville.
“While my initial involvement with branch meetings that will be insightful “I have really enjoyed being involved
APWA began in 2013, this will make my and offer resources to those who attend.” with all the facets of TCAPWA, from
2nd year serving as the Middle Branch “TCAPWA is a tight-knit community equipment rodeos and attending
Director for TCAPWA.” that is a great asset and I hope more quarterly lunch and learns, to
Swann continues to promote an active people will get involved.” participating on smaller committees
schedule of events for the Middle Branch. West Branch within the Upper East Branch, and now
“We started having meetings later in 2024 Director, serving as the Branch Director.”
than I had originally planned. I quickly Jonathan Jenkins, the award recipient of the 2022
realized how many moving parts there Edward C. Archer Young Professional
are to successfully pulling off a quarterly Whitfield: City of the Year, said his attendance at the YP
luncheon. The Middle Branch had four of Memphis Summit at PWX Atlanta also has given
meetings in 2024. Our goal for 2025 is to Manager him innovative ideas for his generation’s
once again meet no less than once each of Street future involvement. “TCAPWA is
quarter. We already have our 1st quarter Maintenance for everyone within Public Works,” he
branch meeting scheduled for Tuesday, A positive said.
March 18, 2025 at Collier Engineering’s TCAPWA State Conference experience “It is my goal to continue to increase
main office in Nashville,” Swann said. encouraged new Branch Director the involvement of young professionals
“Two of the topics which I am most Jonathan Whitfield to become more within TCAPWA. This organization is
excited to introduce to the membership familiar with the organization. such a resource, and I hope to empower
are working with the Board to implement “I found out about TCAPWA through young professionals within our field by
some new committee opportunities another member, Ethan Skaggs,” he said. bridging the gap between generations,”
for 2025 and continuing to work with Jenkins said.
22 TPW March/April 2025