Published date: March 13, 2024
Public Works Director Earns Top Management Certification
Destin Public Works Director Michael Burgess has earned the Certified Public Works Professional – Management (CPWP-M) designation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). The CPWP-M designation recognizes those individuals in the public works field who have the knowledge and experience to effectively manage departments within a public works agency.
This is a huge accomplishment since fewer than 90 individuals nationwide have earned their CPWP-M from the nearly 35,000 municipalities that are members of the APWA. The Certified Public Works Professional program was launched by APWA in August 2018, and Burgess is the latest candidate to earn the designation.
Burgess was promoted to Destin’s Public Works Director in March of 2019. Prior to working for Destin, he graduated from Columbus State University (Columbus, GA) with a B.S. in Geology and an M.S. in Environmental Science. Prior to moving to Destin, he served in the Engineering Department of the Columbus Consolidated Government (GA) for 18 years. With almost 30 years of combined experience in City Government and the Water/Wastewater Industry, Burgess has in-depth experience overseeing day-to-day departmental operations as well as managing multi-million-dollar capital improvement programs to include roadway/pedestrian infrastructure, stormwater improvements and facilities renewal and replacement. Other highlights of his work include public works, emergency management, stormwater and floodplain management and the City’s Paid Parking Program.
“Being the Public Works Director in our beautiful community is one of the most rewarding roles that any professional can ever strive for,” said Burgess. To obtain the CPWP-M designation, candidates must have three years of public works supervisory experience and prove their ability to manage a public works department. Candidates must prove competence, by examination, in the areas of communication, budget and finance, human resource management, administrative operations, procurement and contract administration, project management, asset management, and emergency management, all while displaying an overall understanding of basic public works operations.
“It’s an honor to serve the citizens of Destin,” said Burgess. “This CPWP-M certification further enhances my goal to provide world-class service to our community and to sustain the livability and quality of life in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”