The Bay County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that Keith Bryant, Chief Infrastructure Officer, has been named one of the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) 2024 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year.
This award is one of APWA’s highest honors and is based on a lifetime of professional excellence. Recipients of the awards are chosen by past Top Ten recipients and embody professionalism, expertise, and personal dedication to improving the quality of life in their communities through the advancement of public works services and technology.
The Top Ten Public Works Leaders award focuses on outstanding career service achievements of individual public works professionals and officials from both the public and private sectors in North America. Each of the Top Ten Leaders is recognized for their accomplishments in federal, state, provincial, county, or municipal engineering or administration, including career advancement, contribution to technology or job knowledge, commitment to the profession as evidenced by education, training, certification and continuing education, as well as professional excellence and service to the community in large and small municipalities.
Keith Bryant’s career in public works began in August 1995 following a tour in the United States Air Force. Over the years, he has held numerous key positions, including Engineer I, Traffic Operations Engineer, Traffic Engineering Manager, Public Works Director, and Chief Infrastructure Officer. His tenure is marked by several notable technical and managerial accomplishments, including:
- Hurricane Michael Disaster Recovery
- Bay County Infrastructure Surtax Program
- Funding, Design, and Construction of the Bay County Intelligent Transportation System
- County Traffic Calming Program
- Establishing a grant-focused culture to support transportation and stormwater funding needs
Bryant holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and has been a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Florida since 1999. Beyond his technical expertise, Keith Bryant has significantly impacted professional associations. He has fostered collaboration across various industry organizations, including the American Public Works Association, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Society of Military Engineers, Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents, Florida Engineering Society, Intelligent Transportation Society of America, and the International Municipal Signal Association.
Bryant’s dedication extends to community involvement. He played a pivotal role in creating the Junior Leadership Bay Program and has served as Treasurer of the Panama City Swim Team (PCST) for eight years. His volunteer efforts include participation in the Bay County Military Affairs Committee, Bay County Gideon’s International Camp, Bay County Community Traffic Safety Team, and serving as Vice President and lifeguard at Bethlehem Camp.
Keith Bryant’s exemplary service has earned him multiple other accolades, including the 2019 APWA Florida Public Works Roundtable – Public Works Director of the Year Award.
Bryant was recognized at the County Commission Meeting on May 21, 2024 by APWA Florida Chapter President Mark Ellis Collins.
About APWA
The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.org) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 32,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, MO, has an office in Washington, DC, and 62 chapters and 97 branches throughout North America.