The American Public Works Association (APWA) announced Aug. 31 that Mary Joyce Ivers, Deputy Public Works Director for the City of Ventura, Calif., has been sworn in as president of APWA. Affirmed by APWA’s more than 30,000 members, President Ivers will lead the organization for the 2020-2021 term. President Ivers succeeds APWA President William E. (Bill) Spearman, III, P.E. 

Mary Joyce Ivers has been involved in public works for over 27 years. In 2019, she was promoted to deputy public works director overseeing the operations activities for the City of Ventura’s Public Works Department. The Department oversees a $56 million budget with a team of 85 public works “first responders” who continue to rebuild the community after the devastating December 2017 Thomas Fire, and provide essential services during the current pandemic to keep the community safe.

APWA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott Grayson, CAE, said, "Mary Joyce’s proven ability to lead public works departments in times of crisis makes her uniquely qualified to lead APWA during this critical time in our country. As a key figure in APWA’s leadership, we will benefit from her vision, influence, and creativity to successfully connect with and support our membership and communicate APWA’s Public Policy Priorities to Capitol Hill."

In 2017, President Ivers was recognized as the National Government Fleet Manager of the Year and the following year was inducted to the Public Fleet Hall of Fame. She is also an active supporter of APWA’s advocacy efforts on funding and regulatory issues. President Ivers has met with U.S. Department of Education officials to discuss challenges and solutions facing the public works workforce, and led APWA issue briefings to congressional members and staff.

“I am honored and empowered by the opportunity to assume the role of President of this great association. While many aspects of our daily lives remain uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public works continues to provide a sense of normalcy and much-needed stability in our communities. I am excited to work closely with the rest of our APWA Board and staff to meet the needs and challenges of our members and all public works professionals both now and into the future.”

President Ivers shares her public works success stories in publications such as the APWA Reporter, Government Fleet, American City & County, Roads & Bridges, and more.