Thomas J. Pugh, P.E., Hole Montes’ director of environmental engineering, has been named the Mac Ulsch Award winner by the Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).
It is the second time Pugh has won the award, which is named in honor of Mac Ulsch, who was instrumental in chartering Florida’s APWA chapter. The award, which Pugh also received in 2014, recognizes a member who has shown long-term, outstanding and dedicated service to the chapter.
“The APWA is a vast organization that includes numerous disciplines, so being recognized twice with the Mac Ulsch Award is an incredible honor,” Pugh said. “In our field, it’s important to share best practices and continuously learn from each other, and the APWA is helping improve public works across Florida and beyond.”
The APWA is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies and individuals dedicated to providing high-quality public works goods and services. Its membership includes professionals specializing in emergency management, engineering and technology, facilities and grounds, fleet services, leadership and management, solid waste management, recycling programs, transportation, utility and right-of-way issues, stormwater management, water resources management and wastewater management.
As director of environmental engineering at Hole Montes, Pugh leads the firm’s division that keeps Southwest Florida’s water supply safe and maintains the region’s quality of life. Hole Montes provides design, consultation and project management services for water, wastewater and water reuse systems throughout Southwest Florida. The firm designs, inspects and provides operations support for water and wastewater treatment plant projects, force mains and lift stations, and water and sewer lines for local government agencies and private utilities. In addition, Hole Montes takes a leadership role in the planning and development of regional wastewater systems to meet demands of a growing year-round and seasonal population.
Pugh has 32 years of engineering experience in a variety of leadership roles, including vice president for an engineering firm, regional engineering manager for a water and wastewater engineering firm, senior utility project manager for a planning and design firm, and other positions. Pugh is a Florida-licensed engineer and wastewater treatment plant operator, and he has completed certification programs through the National Association of Sewer Service Companies for pipeline, lateral and manhole assessments.
Pugh earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
About Hole Montes
Founded in 1966, Hole Montes, Inc. is a full-service firm with offices in Naples and Fort Myers. The locally owned company’s range of professional services include environmental, transportation and aviation engineering, as well as landscape architecture, site development, land planning, permitting, zoning, storm water management design, surveying and mapping. Hole Montes is strategically positioned to provide design and management expertise for Southwest Florida clients across multiple industries, including commercial and residential development, senior living, aviation, government, health care, education, retail, restaurants and entertainment. For more information, please visit HoleMontes.com or call 239-254-2000 in Naples or 239-985-1200 in Fort Myers.
