The Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association honored two Buckeye managers for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to public service.
APWA named Fleet Manager Beth Casillas its Professional Manager of the Year for Public Fleet.
Casillas has developed Buckeye’s Fleet Division into one of the nation’s top-performing municipal fleet programs while emphasizing employee development and operational excellence. She also created an internship partnership with West-MEC to help train the next generation of fleet professionals.
The honor follows another major achievement for the division. Last year, InBuckeye reported that Buckeye Public Works was recognized as the nation’s top small fleet in “Buckeye’s public works named No. 1 small fleet, no small feat.”
APWA also named Environmental Services Operations Manager Robert van den Akker its Professional Manager of the Year for Solid Waste.
Since joining Buckeye, van den Akker has helped transform the city’s solid waste program during a period of unprecedented growth. He led the program through the APWA accreditation process, demonstrating its commitment to operational excellence and nationally recognized practices.
His leadership also helped establish partnerships supporting legitimate end-use recycling while preparing Buckeye for long-term changes in recycling markets.
The city congratulated Casillas and van den Akker for advancing public works, protecting the environment, and providing exceptional service to the Buckeye community.
