Welcome to the Southwest Branch!
2026 Southwest Branch Scholarship Application
The Southwest Branch Student Scholarship is open for all full-time college students within the SW Branch area in an applicable area of study to apply. SW Branch was able to award four scholarships from this spring's applications. Congratulations to our scholarship recipients for the Fall Semester of 2026! The application for the Spring 2027 Semester is available until November 20th, 2026. Please find the scholarship information below, as well as in the Stipends & Scholarships section of the website.
Scholarship Information - 2026 APWA Southwest Branch Full-time Student Scholarship Flyer
Scholarship Application - 2026 APWA SW Branch Scholarship Application
What's Next? / Save the Date!
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Will County DOT Update @ North & MaplePresented by Eric Wesel, P.E.November 4, 2026 |
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Southwest Branch Holiday Party @ Silver Lake Country ClubPresented by SSWWADecember 11, 2026 |
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Join us for our most popular presentation, featuring Eric Wesel, P.E., Design Manager for the Will County Division of Transportation! Attendees will receive updates on upcoming roadway design and construction projects and learn about key transportation initiatives shaping our local roadway infrastructure throughout Will County. Online Registration: Click HERE to Register!(opens in new tab) Registration/Check-In: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Presentation: 12:00 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2026 North & Maple Kitchen & Bar Questions or issues online? Contact Sean Brady |
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Mark your calendars for the annual APWA Southwest Branch and SSWWA Holiday Party! This year's theme, Plaid Tidings, sets the stage for one of the most anticipated and consistently sold-out events of the year. Join colleagues from across the region for an evening of networking, holiday cheer, great food, and the always-popular raffle prizes and giveaways. Event details will be posted soon! Friday, December 11, 2026 Silver Lake Country Club Questions or issues online? Contact Randy Lusk |
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2026/27 Executive Members
| President Sean Brady, P.E. True North Consultants  |
Vice President Joe Nordman, P.E. City of Joliet  |
Treasurer Ben Fox, P.E. HR Green, Inc.  |
Secretary Abigail McMann Baxter & Woodman  |
Schedule of Topics for 2026
Monthly Meetings (1st Wednesday of the Month)
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January – No Meeting February 11th – Southwest Branch Awards Banquet March 20th – Public Works Social @ Flipside Brewing in Tinley Park April 1st – Environmental Assessments (True North Consultants) May 6th – Illinois Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems Educational Event (Baxter & Woodman) @ Joliet WWTP |
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June 3rd– Southwest Branch Golf Outing at Silver Lake Country Club July – No Meeting August 5th – Demo and Product Fair at Joliet WWTP September 30th – YP Event! (September 2nd – No Meeting) October 7th – Land Acquisition @ Cemeno's (Joliet) November 4th – Will County DOT Update (WCDOT) @ North & Maple (Tinley Park) December 11th – APWA SW Branch/SSWWA Holiday Party (Silver Lake Country Club) |
2026 Highlights:
October 2026 – Right-of-Way/Land Acquisition
Thank you very much to Mark Munizzo, Right-of-Way Agent for the Will County DOT, for an informative presentation on the right-of-way acquisition process, from project concept through property acquisition. Mark provided an overview of the land acquisition process and its application to governmental redevelopment projects, as well as governmental rights, property ownership rights, just compensation, and the appraisal process.
Mark discussed the concept of sovereignty and the governmental powers of taxation, eminent domain, and escheat, while exploring the historical, legal, and economic foundations of property rights and land ownership. His presentation highlighted how modern right-of-way acquisition, appraisal, and condemnation practices are rooted in centuries of evolving legal tradition and economic thought, including concepts of value that continue to influence the profession today.
The role of a Right-of-Way agent and the broad range of disciplines involved in successful project delivery were also discussed, including engineering and government processes, environmental considerations, geographic information systems, real estate valuation, negotiations, contracts, and legal proceedings. Attendees gained valuable insight into the appraisal methodologies, valuation techniques, and acquisition processes that support public infrastructure improvements.
Thank you to everyone who attended our October Southwest Branch luncheon. We appreciate the strong turnout and networking with members and guests, which contributed to a successful event!
September 2026 – Public Works Social at Werk Force Brewing
Thank you to everyone who joined the Southwest Branch Young Professionals Committee at Werk Force Brewing for an evening of networking, conversation, and charitable giving. The event brought together both familiar and new faces from across the public works community, providing a great opportunity to build connections and expand professional networks.
Attendees contributed more than $170 in support of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and we appreciate the generosity of everyone who participated! A special thank you to the Southwest Branch YP Committee for organizing the event and to all who helped make it a success. We look forward to future opportunities to connect with members and industry partners throughout the Southwest Branch.
August 2026 – Southwest Branch Demo Days
Thank you to everyone who attended Southwest Branch's 13th Annual Demo and Product Fair, and thank you to our vendors and generous breakfast, pig roast, event, and door prize sponsors for helping make the day a success!
Held on August 5 at the Joliet Wastewater Treatment Plant, the event welcomed more than 120 attendees, 30 vendors, and 9 demonstrations. Fortunately, the rain held out, providing an excellent day for vendors to showcase their products and services while giving public works professionals the opportunity to learn about new technologies and solutions that can benefit their communities. Attendees explored exhibits, participated in demonstrations, earned CEU and PDH credits, and connected with colleagues from across the region. The day concluded with the inaugural pig roast, which quickly became a highlight of the event!
We hope everyone enjoyed the educational and networking opportunities as much as we did. The Southwest Branch looks forward to seeing you at next year's Demo and Product Fair and at our remaining 2026 meetings and events.
June 2026 – Southwest Branch Golf Outing at Silver Lake Country Club
Held on June 3 at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park, the outing welcomed more than 140 golfers, sponsors, and guests for a day of golf, networking, and friendly competition. With sunny skies and warm weather, attendees enjoyed a full day on the course, opportunities to reconnect with colleagues from across the public works industry, and the post-golf luncheon and awards program. The outing once again reached near-capacity participation, reflecting the strong support of our members, sponsors, and industry partners.
Most importantly, proceeds from the event support the Southwest Branch Scholarship Fund and help invest in the next generation of public works professionals!
Thank you again to all participants for helping make the event a success. The Southwest Branch looks forward to seeing you at next year's Golf Outing and wishes you a great summer ahead!
May 2026 – Illinois Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Permitting and Implementation
Thank you to Dan Bounds, P.E., D.WRE, of Baxter & Woodman for an informative presentation on the Illinois Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit and its implementation requirements. Dan provided an overview of recent permit updates, including Stormwater Management Program revisions, compliance timelines, annual reporting requirements, and best practices for implementation.
The presentation also covered public education and outreach, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, post-construction stormwater management, and pollution prevention for municipal operations. Attendees gained valuable insight into the changes affecting MS4 communities and the steps needed to maintain permit compliance.
April 2026 – Environmental Risk Management for Municipal Projects - From Acquisition to Construction
Thank you to Brian Mihelich with True North Consultants, Inc. for providing perspective on the needs and considerations regarding environmental factors involved in municipal project design and planning. Brian took a practical look at environmental risk management from property acquisition through construction. Topics included PESA/PSI, Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, Illinois EPA SRP and LUST programs, soil management options including CCDD and Subtitle D, and demolition and renovation requirements relating to asbestos, lead-based paint, and hazardous materials, and Brian reviewed real-world case studies involving these various topics.
March 2026 – Public Works Social at Flipside Brewing
Thank you to those who joined us in March for an evening of networking and reconnecting as we welcomed the start of spring. The Southwest Branch was pleased to see new faces at this gathering, along with engaging conversation and great appetizers. Flipside Brewing provided a great venue for the event, and we encourage members passing through the I-80 corridor to stop in and check it out for themselves. Thank you to the Southwest Branch Young Professionals Committee for organizing the outing and bringing members together for an enjoyable evening.
February 2026 – APWA Chicago Metro Chapter Southwest Branch Award Banquet
The 2026 Southwest Branch Awards Banquet was held on February 11, 2026, bringing members together to recognize outstanding public works projects and achievements from across the region. Congratulations again to all of our 2026 award winners!
2026 Southwest Branch Awards
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Cedar Road at Haven Avenue Roundabout Project (Transportation, less than $5M) Village of New Lenox |
East WWTP Phosphorous Removal Upgrades (Environment, less than $5M) Village of Crest Hill |
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Olympic Boulevard-Houbolt Road Improvements (Transportation, $5M to $25M) City of Joliet |
8th Street Ped Bridge (Historical-Preservation, less than $5M) City of Lockport
Well 15 VFD Design-Build (Structures, less than $5M) City of Lockport |
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Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294 Bridges Over 87th Street and Roberts Road) (Transportation, $25M to $75M) Illinois Tollway |
Harmony Square (Structures, $25M to $75M) Village of Tinley Park |
Congratulations to all the award winners!
Looking to get more involved? Reach out to our committee chairs!
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2025/2026 Southwest Branch Committee Chairs |
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| Committee | Chair / Co-Chairs | Contact |
| Awards | Alex Alejandro (Hancock) | aalejandro@ehancock.com |
| Scholarship | Eric Wesel (WCDOT) & Eric Neubauer (HDR) | ekwcepe1@att.net & eric.neubauer@hdrinc.com |
| Membership | Tim Juskiewicz (Burns and McDonnell) | tjuskiewicz@burnsmcd.com |
| Education | Abby McMann (Baxter and Woodman) | amcmann@baxterwoodman.com |
| Golf Outing | Don Cassier (SEECO) | cassier@seeco.com |
| Audit | “The Past Presidents” | jonathan.kjellman@hdrinc.com |
| Public Outreach | Arlan Schattke (Village of Plainfield) | aschattke@goplainfield.com |
| Young Professionals | Trevor Cannon (CBBEL) | tcannon@cbbel.com |
| Website | Trevor Cannon (CBBEL) | tcannon@cbbel.com |
| Demo Days | Owen Dean (City of Joliet) | odean@joliet.gov |
| Holiday Party | Mark Siefert (Baxter and Woodman) | msiefert@baxterwoodman.com |
| Officer – Past President | Jonathan Kjellman (HDR Inc) | jonathan.kjellman@hdrinc.com |
2025 Highlights
November 2025 – Will County DOT Update (WCDOT):
Thank you very much Eric Wesel, Phase II Project Manager for the Will County Division of Transportation, for sharing the multitude of upcoming design and construction projects for the county, including road resurfacing, reconstruction, grade separation, PEL locations, I.T.S. locations, and more for the 2026 year ahead. Both continuing on projects from this year and years past, as well as looking to new construction projects and design on the horizon, local engineers, public works staff, and construction folks have much to look forward to in the way of valuable and impactful public works projects for next summer and beyond.
October 2025 – Metra Update (Metra):
Thank you very much Scott Schiemann, Chief Engineering Officer with Metra for presenting on current and planned system enhancements, highlighting the ongoing efforts to modernize Chicagoland's commuter rail network. Scott reviewed the $366 million 2025 Capital Program, which funds investments in rolling stock, infrastructure, signals and communications, facilities and equipment, stations and parking, and support activities. Additionally, Scott discussed Metra's broader initiatives to improve reliability, safety, and the customer experience.
September 2025 – City of Joliet Bluff Street Lining (RJN Group, Inc.):
Thank you very much Patrick Hulsebosch and Luis Vasquez, Sr. Construction Manager with RJN Group, Inc. for presenting on issues encountered during construction and lessons learned for the City of Joliet's Bluff Street Interceptor Rehabilitation project. Patrick discussed the design process and alternatives considered for the lining project. Luis reviewed conflicts encountered during construction, including IDOT right-of-way limitations, challenges in determination of active service connections, excavations within areas of shallow bedrock and high-water tables in close proximity to the Des Plaines River, the importance of construction oversight during all phases of construction, and the ways in which issues were resolved in timely and cost-effective fashion.
August 2025 – Demo and Product Fair:
Thank you to all who attended the Southwest Branch 12th Annual Demo and Product Fair at the Joliet Eastside WWTP on August 6th, 2025! Vendors showcased their products and provided public works staff with the opportunity to learn more about their products as well as how they could help their community.
June 2025 – Southwest Branch Golf Outing at Silver Lake Country Club:
Thank you to all who attended our 2025 SW Branch Golf Outing! With quite the rainy day in the forecast, we want to thank our members who showed up, be it to golf or to catch up with fellow APWA folks. We had 112 in attendance, with around 80 who toughed it out in the rain to play 1 to 9 holes! The SW Branch hopes to see you at next year's golf outing and wishes you a great summer ahead.
May 2025 – Intelligent Transportation Systems Educational Event:
Thank you very much Tom Szabo with Atlas Technical Consultants for diving into Centralized Traffic Signal Management System (CTMS) design and Arterial Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the Will County area. Tom reviewed Will County Division of Transportation’s innovative program aimed at upgrading existing traffic signal systems, including advancements in centralized traffic signal management, modern communication technologies, new design requirements, and integration of advanced monitoring tools that are both practical and effective.
April 2025 – Issues During Construction (Gannett Fleming - Transystems):
Thank you very much Zachary Pucel with Gannett Fleming - TranSystems for presenting on issues encountered during construction and lessons learned. Zachary discussed a multitude of recent conflicts encountered on projects this past year, including right-of-way limitations, piles in soils where bedrock was significantly deeper than anticipated, and additional scenarios, and the ways in which these issues were resolved in timely and cost-effective fashion.
March 2025 – YP Public Works Brewery Takeover:
Thank you to all who attended the YP-organized happy hour, hosted at Werk Force Brewing in Plainfield. Around 30 attendees came to the event, and many folks were coming as new attendees or who had not attended recently. It was a great outing drawing from both the public sector and private sector membership bases, and folks introduced themselves to new faces or caught up with familiar ones.
February 2025 – Southwest Branch Awards:
The 2025 Southwest Branch Awards Banquet took place on February 19, 2025. Award winners include the following:
- Pfeiffer Road Extension (Transportation, less than $5M) Village of Frankfort
- 127th Street Bridge Over the DuPage River (Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair, less than $5M) Village of Plainfield
- Transforming Joliet: The Path to Sewer System Excellence (Environment, $25M to $75M) City of Joliet
- Post 21 Potable Water Booster Pump Station (Environment, less than $5M) Village of Tinley Park
- Doug Kissel, Wastewater Superintendent (Samuel A. Greely Award) Village of Plainfield
January 2025 – Sidewalk Litigation:
Thank you very much Hannah Lamore with Mahoney, Silverman & Cross, LLC for presenting on tools for municipalities in cases of civil litigation regarding sidewalks. Hannah discussed the various aspects of litigation in cases of sidewalk trip-and-fall injuries, and the tools available to local governments to manage such cases, as well as applicable case history on municipal liability.
Thank you for visiting this web page!
Please contact Sean Brady if you have any comments/questions.