A 1985 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A., Political Science) with a master’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (1987, New York University), Scott Grayson was most recently associate managing director for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA) in Washington, DC.
During his 16-year tenure, he was responsible for staff management/coaching, board development, budgeting, strategic planning, government and public relations, licensure, program management, non-dues revenue, electronic and print publications, social media, conference management, chapter relations, fundraising, research, and surveys.
As executive director of the 29,000-member American Public Works Association (APWA) and Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA), Grayson will guide the formulation and execution of strategic and tactical initiatives.
APWA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to hire Grayson.
“His expertise combined with his experience as a council member provides a very unique skill set,” says APWA President Brian Usher, PWLF, City of Largo, Fla., public works director. “It will ensure that members’ voices are heard in the U.S. Congress and Canadian Parliament and that their skills are continually being enhanced.”
Golden Valley, Minn., is a Minneapolis suburb of 21,000 residents that’s home to water and wastewater pump and filtration-system manufacturer Pentair. In addition to five years as a council member, Grayson was chair of the city’s Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA), a separate legal authority.
Grayson replaces Larry Frevert, PE, PWLF, of Kansas City, Kan. Frevert has been interim APWA director since Peter King resigned effective July 20, 2015, after 16 years.
“With the increased attention on needed infrastructure improvements throughout the U.S. and Canada, APWA is positioned to serve both governments as their best resource,” Grayson says.
Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., APWA has an office in Washington, DC, and 63 chapters throughout North America. Public Works writes about the organization's Top 10 Leaders and Top Projects every year.
