Published date: May 20, 2026
The New England Chapter of APWA proudly celebrated some of the very best in public works during our annual National Public Works Week Awards Luncheon, recognizing outstanding professionals, agencies, projects, and first responders whose dedication continues to strengthen our communities across the region.
This year’s luncheon was a powerful reminder of the incredible impact public works professionals make every day through leadership, innovation, service, and selfless commitment to the communities they serve.
National Award Winners
We were especially proud to celebrate several New England Chapter members and partners who received prestigious national APWA honors.
A special congratulations goes to Bill Riccio, PE, Director of Public Services for the City of Newport, Rhode Island, who received APWA’s highest individual honor, the Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year Award. Bill’s nearly two decades of leadership in Newport, combined with a career dedicated to continuous improvement, mentorship, and public service, make him exceptionally deserving of this recognition. Click here to read more about Bill and this award.
Congratulations also to our additional national award recipients:
- Regina Hackett – Excellence in Education Award
- Kevin McCabe – Young Leader of the Year
- Rick Stinson – Outstanding Chapter Achievement and Excellence in Chapter Service Award
- Paul Starratt – Professional Manager of the Year, Engineering and Technology
- Mike Rush – Professional Manager of the Year, Public Fleet
- Joe Flynn – Professional Manager of the Year, Emergency Management
- John Bechard – Professional Manager of the Year, Transportation
- Dave Harris – Professional Manager of the Year, Water Resources
- Town of Bedford, NH – National Asset Management Award
- Mass Central Rail Trail – Sudbury to Hudson – VHB, Mass DCR, ET&L Corp – Project Award
These recognitions reflect the extraordinary talent, innovation, and leadership that exists throughout New England’s public works community.
Honoring Public Works First Responders
One of the most meaningful moments of the luncheon was recognizing this year’s Public Works First Responder Award recipients, honoring public works professionals who went above and beyond in moments of crisis.
This year’s honorees included:
- Doug Haiko – Town of Vernon, CT
- Noah Royer and John McClure – Vermont Agency of Transportation
- Ryan Conway and Mark Piantedosi – Town of Easton, MA
- Peter Burch – Town of Yarmouth, MA
- Patrick Wilson, Daniel Cove, Ralph Caruso, Jackson Toussaint, and Luke Brothers – City of Worcester, MA
These individuals demonstrated extraordinary courage, calm under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. Their actions are a powerful reminder that public works professionals are often first on the scene when communities need help most.
John Kiley Member of the Year
The Chapter was also proud to present the John Kiley Member of the Year Award to Tom Modzelewski, recognizing his outstanding service to the New England Chapter and the public works profession.
As Chair of the Education Committee, Spring Conference Committee, and leader of the Chapter Connects webinar series, Tom has played an instrumental role in advancing member engagement, education, and chapter initiatives. His dedication to APWA, his profession, and his colleagues embodies the spirit of this award. Click here to learn more about Tom and this award.
Congratulations to All Honorees
To every award recipient recognized today, thank you for your service, leadership, and commitment to advancing public works throughout New England and beyond.
Your work inspires all of us.