Public Works leader among nation's best

Marc J. Thornsberry, Public Works director for Springfield, was named one of the Top 10 Public Works Leaders by the American Public Works Association, according to an announcement from the city.

Thornsberry has served as Spring-field's Public Works director since 1992. In that capacity, he administers an operating budget in excess of $47 million annually, as well as a six-year capital improvements program of approximately $160 million. He also oversees more than 375 full-time employees.

Thornsberry was honored for several accomplishments, including the city's collaboration with the Missouri Department of Transportation, leadership in the city's two Partnership Industrial centers, his role in the creation of the city's Floodplain Acquisition Program and the commitment to protecting water quality and the environment via a number of Public Works initiatives.

Thornsberry will be honored at a reception at 5:45 p.m. May 20 in the lobby of the Busch Building, 840 Boonville Ave.