2025 Men of the Year: Colten Harris

Colten Harris may supervise 130 employees as Springfield’s superintendent of streets, but he doesn’t shy away from doing some road work himself. After earning his commercial driver’s license last year, he took a shift and plowed snow.

“I strive to keep a pulse on the real work our division does, making sure I do not lose touch and sight of who truly accomplishes the mission of serving our community, which is our dedicated construction crews,” says Harris, noting that a 25-year veteran employee complimented him on his snow plowing prowess.

This wasn’t an insignificant effort on Harris’ part, says Eric Claussen, city of Springfield’s assistant director of public works.

“This may seem like a small achievement, but it showed to his work crews that he is not a talking head in an office, that he is willing to get his hands dirty and work side by side with his team hauling materials or plowing snow,” Claussen says.

After graduating with a civil engineering degree from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Harris joined Springfield’s public works department in 2013. He held several engineering positions before becoming the superintendent of streets in 2021. He oversees a $16 million budget across 10 work groups responsible for critical infrastructure, from 1,770 lane miles of streets and 675 miles of sidewalks to 63 vehicular bridges and 3,212 stormwater grates.

To complement his work experience, Harris earned a master’s in engineering management from the University of Arkansas. He has his Professional Engineer license and is a Certified Public Works Professional.

“These credentials reflect my commitment to advancing my field and leading with both technical knowledge and managerial expertise,” Harris says. “Additionally, I have played a key role in the Public Works accreditation process through the American Public Works Association, ensuring high standards for public service delivery.”

To aid others in their career trajectory, Harris implemented a leadership development process in Public Works that includes an annual strategic retreat, goal setting and leadership training. He has sought to create an environment where employees are empowered to take the initiative.

“When I stepped into the superintendent role, I quickly saw the need for a structured approach to employee growth and engagement,” he says. “The results have been significant: increased retention, more internal promotions and a highly motivated workforce.”

Beyond Harris’ official duties, he is co-founder of the Springfield Missouri Professional Chapter of Engineers Without Borders, which assists communities with critical infrastructure.

“Colten embodies the qualities of servant leadership, professional excellence and civic commitment,” Claussen says. “I am confident that Colten will continue to inspire others and leave a lasting legacy of excellence.”

Words to live by: “With gratitude, optimism is sustainable.” –Michael J. Fox

Dream dinner party guest: Bruce Lee.

Advice to other men: Don’t search for the meaning of life but find meaning in life and then work single mindedly at that. Nietzsche said, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”