Keynote and Closing Presentation Details
keynote PRESENTATION
Thursday, July 30, 8:50 am - 9:50 am in the Presidio Ballroom
Keynote Presentation Title: Workforce Development is YOUR Responsibility
Keynote Presentation Speaker: Aaron Witt is the Founder of BuildWitt and one of the most influential voices in the global construction and mining industries. He started in the field as a laborer and later as an engineer, before casual storytelling led him to focus on media, software, and speaking.
His authentic approach celebrates the people and projects that keep our world moving, resulting in one of the largest media ecosystems in the industry: 3+ million followers and 1+ billion annual views.
On top of BuildWitt’s brand, the company’s main products are BuildWitt Improve, the only workforce development platform built exclusively for the industry, trusted by hundreds of American civil contractors, and the Dirt World Summit, the industry’s top leadership event, with 1,500 industry leaders and 500 companies attending each year.
Keynote Presentation Description: The Dirt World has more critical infrastructure to build and maintain than ever, but is at a serious crossroads. The previous generation, who got us here, is leaving, while today's generation is… (kind of) arriving? As a result, industry leadership is nervous about execution, and rightly so. Who will save the day? What's the solution? After traveling to construction and mining operations across six continents, Aaron's found the answer—it's YOU. And you'll walk away from this session not only with the responsibility, but the tools to make it happen.
CLOSING PRESENTATION
Friday, July 31, 9:15 am - 10:15 am in the Presidio Ballroom
Closing Presentation Title: NextGen Public Works Leaders: Trust, Talent, and the Politics of Getting Things Done
Closing Presentation Speaker: Shane Silsby is a nationally recognized public works leader, executive strategist, and industry influencer with nearly 25 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors. Known for his ability to connect operations with executive-level strategy, Shane has built a career leading complex organizations, delivering major infrastructure programs, and driving meaningful change across agencies and communities across the United States.
Shane currently serves as the CEO and Founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors, where he partners with public agencies to solve complex challenges, develop funding strategies, deliver multi-agency initiatives, and modernize operations. He is also the author of Managing for Meteors: Preparing Local Government Leaders Before the Impact, a forward-looking guide focused on helping agencies prepare for disruption and lead through uncertainty.
Prior to launching his firm, Shane held senior executive roles in the private sector, including Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for major global engineering and infrastructure firms. Shane’s public sector career is equally distinguished. He was the Deputy Street Transportation Director for the City of Phoenix and the Director of Public Works for Orange County, California.
Closing Presentation Description: Today’s public works leaders face unprecedented organizational complexities, political pressure, limited resources, and public scrutiny. While technical expertise remains critical, it is no longer enough. Success now requires trust-based leadership, clear communication, and the ability to navigate 24/7 visibility and politics without losing sight of the mission.
This presentation explores what it means to lead modern, multi-generational public works teams while communicating complex infrastructure challenges to non-technical audiences. Attendees will gain practical strategies for managing stakeholder conflict, public expectations, and political realities—while elevating the role and reputation of public works professionals.
Designed for emerging and seasoned leaders alike, this session intends to deliver a practical leadership playbook for getting things done in today’s highly visible, politically charged public works environment.
Full Schedule
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
8:00 am - 2:00 pm
ACCREDITATION SELF-ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP (Coronado 1)
Description: The Self-Assessment and Accreditation Workshop has been developed with a focus on understanding the practices for completing the self-assessment and improvement process using the Public Works Management Practices Manual and the software tool.
Public works self-assessment and accreditation provide opportunities for continuous improvement to your overall operations, ultimately leading to better quality of life for your community. Plan for a stronger, more resilient operation in which your employees are empowered by this opportunity to share their expertise and knowledge.
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to get started on the road to self-assessment and accreditation.
Take away tips and overall recommendations for agencies that are considering accreditation or in the process of their self-assessment.
Understand the benefits that commitment to the self-assessment and accreditation can bring to a public works agency.
Cost: $150 per person (includes training/materials, lunch, and snacks)
Register Here: https://arizona.apwa.org/event/accreditation-self-assessment-workshop/
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
ANNUAL SUMMER TOPGOLF TOURNAMENT AND FUNDRAISER
See the Golf page for more information.
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
OPENING RECEPTION Sponsored by Colliers Engineering and Design (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
THURSDAY, JULY 30
7:30 am – 8:15 am
Exhibit Hall Networking and Breakfast (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Full Meal
8:15 am – 9:50 am
OPENING SESSION (Presidio Ballroom):
2026-2027 Officer Induction Ceremony
Welcome Remarks: Juan Valles, Arizona APWA Chapter President
Keynote Presentation Speaker: Aaron Witt
Keynote Presentation Title: Workforce Development is YOUR Responsibility
Keynote Presentation Description: The Dirt World has more critical infrastructure to build and maintain than ever, but is at a serious crossroads. The previous generation, who got us here, is leaving, while today's generation is… (kind of) arriving? As a result, industry leadership is nervous about execution, and rightly so. Who will save the day? What's the solution? After traveling to construction and mining operations across six continents, Aaron's found the answer—it's YOU. And you'll walk away from this session not only with the responsibility, but the tools to make it happen.
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Exhibit Hall Networking and Morning Break (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
10:30 am – 11:00 am
Presentation Title: Adding Value to Project Delivery
Speakers: Susanna Struble, Ryan Blair, Town of Gilbert; Jeffrey Hooghouse, Strategic Value Programs
Presentation Description: When projects struggle, the cause is often attributed to execution, when the real issue is that value was never clearly articulated in the first place. Success is assumed rather than defined. Gilbert is approaching project deliver with a different mindset by putting the Value Formula; Value = (Function ÷ Resources) × Performance into practice throughout our project delivery. This refinement is leading to a shared understanding of what must be delivered, how success will be measured, and how trade-offs are evaluated, providing efficiency in project delivery and a reduction in project changes.
Presentation Title: Connecting Communities: Expanding Access to Water and Sewer Service in the Navajo Nation
Speakers: Arno Leskinen, Susanna Mabery, Dibble
Presentation Description: With federal funding, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority launched an initiative to connect more residents to vital water and sewer services. LAM and Dibble are supporting this effort by assessing the residence's needs, designing recommended improvements, connecting to nearby infrastructure or new cistern and septic systems. This presentation highlights challenges and solutions involved in tailoring these essential services to the terrain, housing conditions, and community needs. Through extensive fieldwork and collaboration, this will improve health, safety, and quality of life for hundreds.
Presentation Title: Building in Someone Else’s Backyard: Turning Construction Disruption into Community Trust
Speaker: Jose Gamez, Sundt Construction; Frank Dubasik, City of Phoenix; Kailey Lambert, Avenue Consultants
Presentation Description: This session examines how the Scenario 3B Transmission Main Rehabilitation Project balanced essential infrastructure delivery with the needs of an active, construction-weary community. Attendees will learn how early alignment between the City of Phoenix, the design team, the contractor, and the community outreach consultant influenced project planning, access maintenance, and construction execution. The presentation highlights how community considerations, construction methodology, and a “good neighbor” field culture were intentionally integrated to reduce disruption and build trust.
Presentation Title: Big Pipe, Big Problems: Managing Arizona’s Most Successful Large-Diameter Pipeline Rehabilitations
Speakers: Cody Nunez, Achen-Gardner Construction
Presentation Description: As Arizona’s infrastructure networks age, rehabilitations of large-diameter pipelines will become increasingly necessary to maintain service reliability. This presentation will review the more than 46 miles of large-diameter pipeline dewatering and rehabilitation completed by Achen-Gardner in Arizona in the past 10 years. We will describe rehabilitation methods, Maintenance of Pipeline Operations (MOPO) processes, dewatering best-practices, confined space access, safety procedures for deep excavations, and more lessons-learned when planning for these types of projects.
Presentation Title: Operation Keystone: Protecting Human Judgment in the Age of AI for Public Works
Speakers: Raymond U. Acuna, K & R Solutions
Presentation Description: Operation Keystone is a human-first framework that ensures AI strengthens, not replaces, professional judgment in public works. As AI enters engineering, inspections, procurement, and emergency response, unclear responsibility threatens safety, legality, and public trust. This session shows how to separate tool control from decision ownership, prevent shadow AI, apply simple autonomy limits, and preserve defensible judgment through Human Decision Records—keeping accountability firmly with engineers and public leaders.
11:00 am – 11:30 pm
Presentation Title: Beyond the Books Ten Rules for Successful Civil Engineering
Speaker: Keith Faucett, Dibble
Presentation Description: Formal education lays the foundation for a career in civil engineering, but it’s only the beginning. Many of the most valuable lessons are learned by navigating the unexpected challenges of real-world project delivery. This presentation explores ten insights learned drawn from decades of engineering experience, successes, and occasional missteps—along with a touch of technical humor and humility. Keith shares personal experience and practical wisdom that benefits young professionals and seasoned mentors alike, with principles that apply from concept through construction.
Presentation Title: AI and Emerging Technologies for Safety and Mobility: From Pilot to Deployment - Transforming Legacy Infrastructure into Future-Ready Networks
Speaker: Sanjay Paul, Mobility Matrix; Simon Ramos, City of Phoenix
Presentation Description: Walking and biking increased across the Desert Southwest after COVID-19, while higher roadway speeds and rapid in-migration intensified safety risks. The City of Phoenix now ranks among the most dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. With limited funding and aging infrastructure, agencies needed scalable, data-driven solutions.
Our team partnered with Phoenix to identify, pilot, and deploy AI and emerging technologies through USDOT funding—advancing signal timing, passive HAWK detection, digital safety analytics, red-light AI detection, and connected vehicle safety messaging.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Presentation Title: The Next Generation of Project Managers - Ready or Not?
Speakers: Christian Aguirre, Huitt-Zollars; Andrew Shroads, Civiltec Engineering; Chris Hamilton, City of Tolleson
Presentation Description: Civil engineering is at a critical inflection point. As senior engineers retire faster than they can be replaced, firms are losing decades of judgment and institutional knowledge. At the same time, younger professionals are assuming leadership roles earlier than ever, often out of necessity, not necessarily because they are fully seasoned. This panel will explore the growing “experience gap,” the rise of fast-tracked leadership, and what these shifts mean. Panelists will also discuss how to rebuild the talent pipeline through stronger recruitment, retention, and career development strategies.
Presentation Title: Filling the “Gap” – State and Local Partnership Delivers a Mega Project
Speakers: Tim Rhine, Allen Hathcock, Kimley-Horn; Paul Preston, Granite Construction; Michael Rigby, ADOT
Presentation Description: Kimley-Horn has worked closely with ADOT and Pima County to plan and design major improvements to the main roads connecting Tucson to Marana, the Valley, and beyond. We used project incentives, aesthetics, the latest technology, and innovative methods to ensure the projects are done right and remain on schedule.
Presentation Title: Project Delivery Methods 201: Effective Preconstruction Services and Guaranteed Maximum Price Proposals
Speakers: Jeffrey A Kramer, CEI; Nicolle B. Wilkinson, CDM Smith
Presentation Description: Hear two experienced owners’ reps discuss key aspects for conducting effective preconstruction services and obtaining a quality GMP proposal from your contractor. In this session attendees will learn the tasks and considerations a project team should explore to experience an effective preconstruction services phase, identify the elements of a well prepared and thorough Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal, and understand the owner’s role in preconstruction and the importance of comprehending the GMP proposal’s impact on the execution of the project.
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Presentation Title: Opportunity Meets Readiness: A Small City’s Journey to $55M in Federal and State Infrastructure Support
Speakers: Judah Cain, Jacobs
Presentation Description: The session explains how San Luis, a city of 30,000, secured $55M in federal and state transportation funding by pairing preparedness with opportunity. Using a Jacobs Engineering study, the City advanced a major mobility project, gained $25M in federal funds, and partnered with ADOT. After finding a $30M gap, it strengthened its technical case and legislative support, ultimately winning added state appropriations. Attendees will learn strategies for using studies, structuring competitive applications, navigating agency partnerships, and framing transportation projects as economic catalysts.
Presentation Title: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and ROW Asset Management - Oh My!
Speakers: Vivek Jha, NCE
Presentation Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) provide powerful tools for agencies to collect and manage right-of-way (ROW) asset information. This presentation will demonstrate how AI-driven analysis of ROW imagery enables automated extraction of assets such as signs, markings, curb ramps, and bike lanes. It will also highlight how AI-ML reduces costs and field collection time compared to traditional methods, and how asset data organized by pavement management section empowers agencies with richer information for cost estimation, capital planning, and budgeting.
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
APWA Awards Luncheon (Presidio Ballroom)
Food Provided: Full Meal
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Networking (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Presentation Title: So You Want to be an Award Winner? Tips and Tricks for Writing a Winning APWA Award Submission
Speakers: Nicole Moon, HDR; Chris Ewell, Phoenix Public Works Department
Presentation Description: Every year, Arizona communities deliver public works projects that improve quality of life, yet many are never submitted or struggle to stand out in the awards process. In this session, APWA Arizona Awards Committee leaders, scorers, and past winners share insider perspectives on successful submissions. Attendees will learn how entries are evaluated and how to present impact, innovation, and community benefit. The panel will cover common mistakes and strategies to highlight outcomes and value. Participants will leave prepared to develop strong, competitive award submissions.
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presentation Title: RFP Jeopardy: Write Better Questions. Win Better Proposals
Speakers: Barbara Shuck, Everest Marketing Services; Hilari Weinstein, High Impact Communications
Presentation Description: Why do RFPs often generate identical proposals? Vague questions cause a lose-lose scenario: agencies struggle to differentiate responses, and consultants find it hard to showcase their unique value. This interactive game-show session teaches agencies how to craft specific, compliant questions and shows consultants how to reverse-engineer vague questions to deliver distinct responses. Through "RFP Jeopardy," APWA AZ attendees will work on solving real procurement challenges. Attendees leave with practical tools for better questions and differentiated responses.
Presentation Title: Leveraging Relationships to Maximize CMAR and Alternative Delivery Outcomes
Speakers: Michael Corona, Picacho Civil
Presentation Description: Alternative delivery methods such as CMAR rely heavily on collaboration, yet many public agencies underutilize one of their most powerful tools: strategic relationship management. This session explores how municipalities can intentionally build and leverage professional relationships with contractors, designers, and independent estimators to improve preconstruction performance, cost validation, and risk alignment. Attendees will learn practical methods to define expectations, align resources, and use relationship capital to resolve issues early,while maintaining transparency and public account.
Presentation Title: How Pima County’s Native Plant Nursery Strengthens Forward-Looking Flood Control
Speaker: Matthew Lutheran, Pima County Regional Flood Control District; Amy Martin, Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources Department
Presentation Description: The Pima County Native Plant Nursery was established in 2001 under the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan to provide regionally adapted native plants for public projects, including transportation, parks, and the Pima County Regional Flood Control District. Native plants supplied by the nursery support the County’s commitment to conservation while strengthening green stormwater infrastructure projects, and align ecological benefits with resilient, multi-benefit flood control across the region. Learn about the nursery’s inception and how your municipality can utilize these plants.
Presentation Title: AI 101 & 201 for Public Works Professionals: Copilots, Agents, and Responsible Workflows
Speaker: DJ Beaver, Jack Simmons, Burgess & Niple
Presentation Description: Public works teams are being asked to do more with the same resources, while AI tools evolve fast. This session provides a plain-language “AI 101 + AI 201” roadmap tailored to public works: what modern copilots/assistants can (and can’t) do, basic prompt engineering, and how to deploy lightweight “agent” workflows responsibly. We’ll focus on approaches that apply across operations, maintenance, capital programs, and communications, so attendees can adopt lessons immediately in their own organizations.
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Presentation Title: Adapting the SAVE International Value Methodology Concepts to Enhance Value Through Risk-Based Decision Making in CMAR Construction Projects
Speaker: Cody Nunez, Achen-Gardner Construction
Presentation Description: This presentation will discuss practical ways Achen-Gardner Construction adapts and applies the SAVE International Value Methodology and Value Enhancement Tools to identify and mitigate risks, manage costs, evaluate best value opportunities, and safely deliver wet utility and roadway infrastructure construction projects for public agencies in Arizona. Topics discussed will include a summary of relevant Value Methodology process and Value Enhancement Tools, techniques to identify value engineering opportunities, and approaches to mitigate risks.
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Exhibit Hall Networking (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Presentation Title: From Inventory to Action: Scalable Solutions for Unknown Service Line Verification
Speakers: Dan Quintanar, Tucson Water; Kelli Brown, Irbis Martinez-Torres, HDR
Presentation Description: After initial Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR) inventory submissions on October 16, 2024, utilities nationwide confront thousands of unknown service lines. With limited funding, staffing shortages and decline in urgency after the deadline, moving forward requires practical, scalable solutions. This presentation offers insight into industry practices by discussing Tucson Water’s and other utilities' approaches to verifying service line materials, contractor onboarding, and mapping and managing the customer journey to build trust throughout the verification process.
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Presentation Title: Building Trust Through Transparency: Transforming Capital Project Communications
Speakers: Abigail Baggs, Ryan Blair, Dallin Bergquist, Jennifer Harrison, Town of Gilbert
Presentation Description: The Town of Gilbert has transformed capital project communications through a comprehensive branding platform centered on "Your Dollars. Your Gilbert." The branding strategy deliberately distinguishes public infrastructure investments from routine maintenance and private development, helping residents understand where their tax dollars create lasting community value. By combining consistent visual identity, strategic messaging, and digital transparency tools, Gilbert has elevated public awareness of infrastructure investment while streamlining stakeholder engagement.
Presentation Title: Drone Deployment for Public Agencies
Speakers: Juan Valles, Rodrigo Castro, Coe & Van Loo Consultants
Presentation Description: The presentation outlines regulatory compliance, risk management, policy development, pilot training, data governance, procurement strategies, and interdepartmental coordination. It highlights operational use cases including public safety, infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and land surveying, while emphasizing transparency and community trust. The session equips decision-makers and program managers with best practices to safely, efficiently, and responsibly deploy drones in service of the public.
Presentation Title: Post-Wildfire Flooding in the City - How a Community Came Together in the Aftermath of Wildfire to Rethink Urban Infrastructure
Speakers: Scott Overton, Trevor Henry, Ed Schenk, City of Flagstaff; Julie Leid, Peak Engineering
Presentation Description: In the aftermath of the Museum fire in 2019, the city of Flagstaff faced a unique urban challenge. How can a community come together to understand the science of flooding, mobilize immediate short-term measures and survive catastrophic flooding? How a city and the neighborhoods bonded together to focus on long-term mitigation efforts using data, expert analysis, strong communication and a unique construction delivery to beat the undefeated Mother Nature.
Presentation Title: Innovating for Resilience: Flood Risk Management and Ecosystem Connectivity Along the Santa Cruz River
Speakers: Nanda Srinivasamurthy, Matthew Lutheran, Pima County Regional Flood Control District
Presentation Description: The Santa Cruz River is both a vital ecological corridor and a flood-prone system influencing public safety and regional planning in Pima County, Arizona. This presentation highlights how the Pima County Regional Flood Control District integrates traditional flood control engineering with nature-based solutions, green stormwater infrastructure, and habitat connectivity strategies to build long-term resilience. Attendees will learn how interdisciplinary design and implementation approaches improve flood protection while restoring riparian ecosystems.
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Presentation Title: Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline: CMAR and Trenchless Strategies in Utility-Dense Corridors
Speaker: Josh Jestes, Tommy English, Garney
Presentation Description: Resilient infrastructure is the foundation of Arizona’s water future. The City of Mesa, with Garney, Ardurra, Black and Veatch, Dibble Engineering and Kimley-Horn delivered the 10.5-mile Central Mesa Reuse Pipeline (CMRP) across two cities, navigating more than 1,000 utility crossings, asbestos concrete pipe removal, and 500+ traffic control plans over three summers of extreme heat. Hand tunneling, tight sequencing, and strict safety controls kept the work moving. Proactive coordination with the City of Mesa and key stakeholders reduced impacts from planned outages.
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Networking (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fun Night Sponsored by Hunter Contracting (Presidio Ballroom)
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
FRIDAY, July 31
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Exhibit Hall Networking, Breakfast, and Vendor Prize Giveaways (Turquoise Ballroom/Foyer and Presidio Foyer)
Food Provided: Full Meal
9:15 am - 10:15 am
CLOSING PRESENTATION (Presidio Ballroom)
Closing Presentation Title: NextGen Public Works Leaders: Trust, Talent, and the Politics of Getting Things Done
Closing Presentation Speaker: Shane Silsby
Closing Presentation Description: Today’s public works leaders face unprecedented organizational complexities, political pressure, limited resources, and public scrutiny. While technical expertise remains critical, it is no longer enough. Success now requires trust-based leadership, clear communication, and the ability to navigate 24/7 visibility and politics without losing sight of the mission.
This presentation explores what it means to lead modern, multi-generational public works teams while communicating complex infrastructure challenges to non-technical audiences. Attendees will gain practical strategies for managing stakeholder conflict, public expectations, and political realities—while elevating the role and reputation of public works professionals.
Designed for emerging and seasoned leaders alike, this session intends to deliver a practical leadership playbook for getting things done in today’s highly visible, politically charged public works environment.
10:15 am - 10:30 am
APWA Giveaway Drawings (Presidio Ballroom)
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
AGENCY SHOWCASE (Presidio Ballroom)
Networking with Owners, Project Managers, and Decision Makers
Food Provided: Appetizers/Snacks
Agencies Confirmed:
City of Buckeye Development Services/Engineering
City of Casa Grande
City of Phoenix
City of Peoria
City of Surprise
City of Tempe
City of Tucson Department of Transportation & Mobility
City of Yuma
Maricopa County Department of Transportation
Pima County Department of Transportation
Pima County Project Design & Construction
Pima County Regional Flood Control District
Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department
Town of Gilbert
Town of Marana
Town of Queen Creek
Yavapai County Public Works Department