Page 8 - Conference2020 Vol38 ?No4

Past, Present, Future from page 7 and while we’ve had some hiccups, my Ronnie Hammonds: Relationships I was able
crews have stepped up every time. I know to make not only across the state but on
am grateful for virtual opportunities, but that’s not true in just Nashville. I know a national level. I was fortunate enough
it doesn’t come close to a handshake and a that’s true all across the state. to work for an organization that not only
back slap in keeping a relationship. Mark Miller: We always show up. We are allowed me to spend the time needed but
Phil Pindzola: That I would not know, since willing to help our neighbors. We may encouraged me to do so. I was able to take
we never slowed or stopped during this need their help some day. What’s next ? the time to attend branch meetings in
period. And I suspect all other progressive Bo Mills: Public Works professionals?are every section of the state which allowed
communities were in the same boat. some of the most responsible, just me – an old country boy from the hills
absolutely?get-it- done, people I know. of East Tennessee – to meet and develop
Do you see a resiliency and strength in our I was blessed to serve APWA on the friendships with people I would never
Public Works departments when we come National level for nine years. This have met otherwise. I would encourage
up against the odds? How do you feel we gave me the opportunity to visit many anyone to do anything they can with the
“roll with it and get it done”? For instance, communities that had severe challenges organization. It is time well spent and will
we’ve had some key tornadoes/natural such as fires, flooding, hurricanes, be very rewarding.
disaster situations/flooding within the last tornadoes and massive snow storms.?I saw Phillip Jones: I love this industry we work
12 months, and now COVID-19... firsthand just how resilient Public Works in. I hope that in all my years working
professionals are as services continued to as a Public Works professional, I’ve
Bill Kilp: It is what we have been trained to be provided.?Our brothers in police and been able to learn a thing or two, and
do and what is expected. fire need us to assist?getting them to the I hope that as president I’ve been able
Calvin Clifton: Absolutely!?The?get it emergency, but while crews are assisting to pass some of those lessons on. This
done?attitude of the public works them, the garbage is still being collected, organization has offered me quite a bit in
departments throughout the state and the the water produced and distributed, terms of professional development and
profession itself is apparent in everything the sewer collected and treated and the professional relationships. I’m excited to
we’ve faced this year!? The perseverance stormwater systems are still clear and stay engaged and help the next generation
and dedication of the Public Works ready.?To me, that? level?of ownership in of professionals be successful.
first responders is being recognized and what we do, is amazing. Mark Miller: I just want to give back. So
commended like never before. Phil Pinzola: ?Public Works professionals many gave back to me. Some of my best
Bob Freudenthal: Resiliency and strength are first responders. We are looked to by friends in the world are in Public Works.
are basic fundamental characteristics of others to solve problems, whatever they We will have great stories to talk about
Public Works professionals and Public may be. And based on my knowledge of when we get to heaven if we are saved.
Works departments. Unique events such other communities in Tennessee, we have Bo Mills: Everyone was so good to me
as emergency responses to weather, performed admirably for many years. during my leadership?roles both at the
pandemics, or societal events are just Finally, what aspects of your presidency state and national levels.?The respect,
opportunities for the general public to meant the most to you or were most camaraderie?and friendliness extended
see what we are made of, and also, why meaningful? will be remembered forever. Working
they can rely on our professionals to meet with our 2005 Chapter Administrators,
whatever happens next. Bill Kilp: My organizational role leading Ed and Joye Archer, and the rest of the
Ronnie Hammonds: Public Works up to the President position allowed Tennessee Chapter Board of Directors
departments across the state have always me to learn about the organization and was so gratifying.?The mentorship I
shown that they can meet any challenge. strengthen relations and friendships with received from this group and other?Boards
Emergency response was always my many?Public Works professionals. This has I served over the years, was outstanding
most proud moment in Public Works. continued years afterwards.?These, and new and these relationships grew into lifelong
That’s when our people really showed friendships make this a rewarding career. friendships.?The group had the best
their resiliency and desire to serve their Calvin Clifton: The people and the interest of the chapter at heart and always
communities. I can’t remember a time relationships!?There are simply no finer tried to serve the needs?of the Chapter’s
when a member of our Public Works folks than Public Works folks! It has truly membership and the state’s Public Works
department was called in after hours and been a blessing for me to be involved in professionals as a whole.?We are better
did not respond. Although it is a cliché, APWA and to develop life-long friendships. together than we are apart.?The Tennessee
our team members are truly the first there Bob Freudenthal: Being able to see so many Chapter has been bringing Public Works
and the last to leave. diverse and uniquely qualified people with folks together for a very long time and this
Phillip Jones: My employees know how the same basic desire to make a difference will continue.
essential they are. I try to tell them every in their communities was a tremendous Phil Pindzola: The opportunity to hold the
day. If this year has taught us anything, blessing. Having an opportunity to work chapter reins of the profession for a year
it’s that we’re able to overcome quite a few with many of these professionals during was simply an honor. It didn’t make me
challenges to continue the work of our my tenure of leadership at TCAPWA better or worse than anyone else since
city. Between the tornadoes, windstorms, made me a better person, leader, and my respect for those who serve in similar
and global pandemic, we’ve had to really professional. capacities is beyond description.
readjust and recalibrate how we operate,

8 TPW Conference 2020