KANSAS CITY, MO Patricia Hilderbrand, Kansas City's Public Works Division Manager of Coordination Services, is adding her name to the prestigious list of 10 public works leaders recognized by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for 2017.

The APWA Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year program honors excellence in public service by recognizing career service achievements of individual public works professionals and officials from both the public and private sectors. Hilderbrand also will be honored at Thursday's city council meeting.

Hilderbrand has worked in the department for 20 years. Her duties include project management of flood mitigation projects with the U.S. Corps of Engineers, direction of the department's $500 million and five-year Capital Improvements Program, implementation of a citywide, Internet-based, comprehensive program and project management system, and serving as primary liaison to the local Metropolitan Planning Organization, MoDOT and all local jurisdictions. 

"Patty has been at the forefront of innovations both in the city and industry as a whole, introducing new technologies and best practices that add accountability and efficiency to our operations," Public Works Director Sherri McIntyre said.  

In 2006, Hilderbrand was designated the city's Transit Manager. In this position, she negotiates and manages the city's $58 million annual service contract with the Kansas City Area Transportation Agency. This contract provides transit service with 65 routes driving 7.4 million miles and carrying 13.8 million riders per year.

In addition, Hilderbrand has served in numerous capacities with the APWA Kansas City Metro Chapter, including chairing the chapter's E&T and Awards Committees. She also has experience serving at the APWA national level, including committee assignments for Projects of the Year, Diversity, Government Affairs, Leadership and Management, and National Homeland Security Task Force. Hilderbrand also was awarded the APWA National Young Leader of the Year Award in 2003.

"The programs that Patty has spearheaded have helped us coordinate our activities, plan more effectively and, ultimately, deliver better service to our citizens. She consistently blazes a trail for her peers to follow," said Troy Schulte, City Manager.