Page 26 - Vol40 No3 Sept-Oct2022

MUNFORD By Lisa Hood Skinner
PW Spotlight: Sherry Bennard

City of Munford Public Works Director

Sherry Bennard, City of Munford’s said she couldn’t be happier.
Public Works Director since 2020, said “I love my job and my community. We
she never expected to make a career in have a wonderful mayor, Dwayne Cole,
the Public Works arena, but her love and he’s encouraged and supported my
of public service, helping people and efforts,” she said.
assisting her neighbors won her over. Incorporated in 1905, the City of
“I’ve been with the city since 2000, Munford has around 6,300 residents,
when I started out as a secretary,” located 25 miles north of Memphis along
she said. “To be honest, at that time I Highways 51, 178 and 206. Bennard has
never saw my future in Public Works. 25 full-time employees on staff, and is
But opportunities were there for me, responsible for water, sewer, gas and
and I think diversity in the workplace streets.
is important. And women can have a Her introduction to APWA was
different perspective about situations through John Chlarson of MTAS,
than men.” when they worked together on a street
Over the next two decades, Bennard project. She attended her first TCAPWA workplace. I do want to be more involved
began getting certifications and licenses conference last year in Memphis, and in the future,” she said.
in areas such as water treatment and found the experience to be “well worth She and Jeff, her husband of 32
backflow cross connection, and gained my time.” years, make their home in nearby
hands-on experience working at the “It was educational and challenging. Drummonds. They have two sons, and a
water plant and in the sewer lab. It all I really enjoyed networking with other daughter. Their hobbies include camping
came together when, two years ago, she Public Works professionals and finding and spending time with their five
was named Public Works Director. She out how they solved challenges in their grandchildren.

26 TPW September/October 2022