Page 10 - NovDec2023 Vol41 No5

NATIONAL By Keith Pugh
Calvin Clifton Receives

Presidential Leadership Award

Relationships, it’s all about that. It’s all about relationships. Ask he has stood beside me during some
relationships. anyone who knows the man. They will of my most challenging days, as well as
Each year APWA’s President has the tell you about his friendly demeanor, his celebrating the successes along the way.
opportunity to present the Presidential knowledge, and his love for the people I can summarize it like this, everyone
Leadership Award. This is presented of public works. They will often tell speaks fondly of Calvin Clifton.
by the President to an APWA member a story of when he has shared a kind I am proud to recognize my peer, my
who has distinguished themselves and word, some good advice, or simply friend, and a trusted ambassador for
the Public Works profession with their listened when they needed to be heard. Public Works, Calvin Clifton, with the
Leadership. Chosen this year is Calvin During my own service with APWA, Presidential Leadership Award.
Clifton, Business Development Manager
of Mattern & Craig.
During his decades long career,
Clifton has served with dignity in
both the public and private sectors.
Throughout his professional life he’s
been about the business of making our
communities better places to live, work,
retire, and raise a family.
Clifton joined APWA in 1995 and
has served the association in many
capacities, including his time on the
Government Affairs Committee (two
years as chair), his service on the
Transportation Committee, serving on
the National and Regional Nominating
Committees, and by organizing regional
events such as the Roger C. Clark
Chapter Leadership Training.
He’s served in several positions with
the Tennessee Chapter, including as
numerous committee chairs, Chapter
President in 2010, and Chapter
Delegate. He’s taught the Public Works
Communication module for the Surprise presentation made remotely with Clifton’s family on hand.
Tennessee Public Works Institute for
many years. He’s won numerous awards
from the chapter including the Snoderly
Award and the Roger Clark Award.
He represents the industry and the
association with the highest integrity
and professionalism.
Over the past several years, Clifton’s
company has been a strong supporter
and sponsor of many chapter activities
and has had a presence at chapter
conferences in Tennessee, Virginia,
North Carolina, South Carolina and
other states.
But for Clifton, it runs deeper than

10 TPW November/December 2023