The City of Thomasville is known for exceeding community expectations, a commitment that is reflected in the City’s mission statement. As such, each City department is challenged to work smarter and more efficiently, without sacrificing safety or lowering the standards of service. One way that City staff work toward achieving this goal is by pursuing advanced training and certifications, such as those earned recently by several members of the Public Works Department.
Public Works Construction/Lead Foreman, Danny Drew, has completed his certification and earned a 90-hour Certification for Public Works Management. Assistant Public Works Superintendent Stephen Stewart and Cemetery Supervisor Denise Reichert both received their 60-hour Certificates of Public Works Management. These certifications signify that these employees have a functional, comprehensive knowledge of public works best practices and management approaches.
The Public Works Officials Executive Management Certificate Program, hosted by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Georgia chapter of the American Public Works Association, is comprised of six, 15-hour modules, totaling 90 hours of instruction. Each module covers specific industry topics and takes place over three days. Modules are offered twice a year, during January and July.
“The goal is, through continuing education, to be able to better serve our community, which is why it’s a feather in our cap to have three certified individuals within our department,” said Stewart. “We plan to continue to attend classes and build on our knowledge base, which makes us stronger leaders within our department.”
“The benefits of participating in the certification program extend beyond the formal classes, as we’re able to interface with other communities and exchange ideas and best approaches to problem solving and how their methods could be applied to Thomasville,” he added.
“I’m proud to work with individuals who take their duties to heart and strive to better themselves and how they serve our citizens,” said Director of Public Works Mike Atkinson.
Both Stewart and Reichert will pursue their 90-hour certification, which they should complete in July, 2016.