Kristin Tyler, the dedicated Public Works Director for the City of Surprise, has been acknowledged as one of the top experts in the field by the American Public Works Association. In recognition of her notable career and ongoing efforts to improve community infrastructure and quality of life, Tyler received the prestigious' ‘2025 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year’ award on Wednesday, as reported by City of Surprise official news.
APWA selects the recipients for this award who have not only shown professional dedication but are also lauded for their expertise and commitment to advancing public works services and technology. Tyler, working tirelessly since January 2022 as the Public Works Director for the City of Surprise, began her journey in 2013. Working with dedication, she climbed the ranks from an Associate Civil Engineer, then as an Engineering Manager as well as the Assistant Public Works Director, according to the Arizona Chapter of APWA.
"APWA’s Top Ten Public Works Leaders have dedicated their lives to achieving excellence in public works. Their contributions are remarkable, and we commend them for making our communities better places to live, work, and enjoy time with our families," said APWA President Dominick A. Longobardi in a statement that highlights the importance of public works professionals.
The City of Surprise Public Works Department, under Tyler's leadership, brings together the Engineering Division, responsible for Land Survey and Development Review, which includes engineering plan review, permitting, civil inspections, and utility locating and the Operations Division, charged with ensuring the repair and maintenance of City facilities. Managing everything from the vast fleet of vehicles to weekly curbside collection of trash and recyclables, the department ensures that public utilities efficiently run, always ready to support the community.
For individuals interested in more details about the 2025 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year or to follow the city's updates, the award and related information can be accessed on the City of Surprise website. Additionally, updates and notifications are provided to those who sign up, and the department can be followed on various social media platforms including Facebook at @CityofSurprise, Twitter @AZSurprise, and Instagram @SurpriseAZGov.
