It is an honor to serve as the Incoming President of the New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association for 2026. I am proud to represent a chapter made up of dedicated professionals whose work is essential to the health, safety, and quality of life of our communities across the region. Public Works may not always be the most visible profession, but it is unquestionably one of the most vital.
As we look ahead, my goals for the chapter are clear and intentionally inclusive. First, we will focus on increasing membership by welcoming new professionals, students, and emerging leaders into APWA and ensuring they see the value of belonging to this organization. Alongside growth, we will place a strong emphasis on educational opportunities and training, supporting both technical excellence and professional development at every career stage.
A strong chapter depends on active participation. I aim to foster a more engaged Board of Directors and encourage a more involved membership—one that shares ideas, experiences, and best practices. Our collective knowledge is one of our greatest strengths, and APWA provides the platform to harness it.
Public works professionals are often the first in and last out during emergencies. Whether clearing roads after storms, restoring water and wastewater services, or supporting community recovery, our teams serve as first responders without badges or sirens. Recognizing and advocating for this role is critical.
Everyday public works tasks—managing waste, maintaining roads, operating water systems, maintain fleets, and caring for parks—directly advance the quality of life in our communities. I encourage members to highlight this impact, engage in events such as National Public Works Week, and make full use of APWA resources.
Finally, I will continue to promote national accreditation, encouraging New England municipal public works departments to pursue this important standard of excellence.
Together, we can strengthen our profession, support one another, and ensure public works continues to thrive throughout New England.
John P Lawlor Jr
John P. Lawlor, Jr
New England Chapter President ‘26