On December 3, 2025, the New Jersey Chapter of the American Public Works Association held its annual awards ceremony to recognize deserving individuals and organizations in the field of public works. New Jersey Local Technical Assistance Program Research Program Coordinator, Omid Sarmad, was presented with the President’s Recognition Award. This award recipient is selected by the Chapter President and approved by the executive board. The President’s Recognition Award is designated for those who have made exceptional contributions to the Chapter over an extended duration of time.
ding presence in the Chapter’s educational activities, from moderating webinars to facilitating workshops to solving all sorts of audiovisual and technical challenges during their events. Please join us in commending Omid!
We are also happy to congratulate many of our education program participants for their 2025 recognition awards. This includes Greg Whitehead, CPWM, Director of Public Works in Lawrence Township. Greg was awarded the Edward P. Decher Award, which recognizes more than 25 years of service in public works and a minimum of 10 years of membership in APWA. Greg has been the public works director for more than 27 years, and is also the township’s ADA and Recycling Coordinator. Greg is a well-respected and appreciated member of the public works community.
NJLTAP would also like to congratulate the Borough of Mountainside and Warren County on winning Project of the Year Awards. These awards recognize excellence in the management and administration of recently completed innovative local public works projects.
The borough of Mountainside was presented an award for their long-anticipated project that created a modern public works facility with improved space, function, and infrastructure. The new facility protects the public’s investment in equipment, ensures the borough is equipped properly for rapid emergency response, and meets current environmental standards. It also provides a secure, safe, and efficient facility for the DPW staff.
Warren County was highlighted for their Roxburg Hill and Roxburg Station Drainage Project. The County Bridges and Roads Division completed this project in 2024 in response to a critical need for improved drainage infrastructure in Harmony Township. This project provides the residents, farms, and local businesses with effective stormwater diversion and flood protection. The project consists of 4 inlets, 3 manholes, and a yard inlet, completed with county force labor in a short, 6-week timeframe by a team of 12 public works staff.
