Press Release: 6/6/2025

Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver Gets APWA Award

 



Awarded APWA Professional Manager of the Year Award in Transportation



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



6/05/2025



MEDIA CONTACT



Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT



 Phone



Call Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at (857) 368-8500



 Online



Email Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at jacquelyn.goddard@dot.state.ma.us



BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is pleased to announce that Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver has received the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Professional Manager of the Year Award in Transportation. The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Transportation recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of public transportation professionals within the public works field.



“Investing in our transportation infrastructure is what makes Massachusetts a national leader in so many categories, and I’m honored to have been the recipient of this year’s Professional Manager of the Year for Transportation award,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.  “I want to thank the American Public Works Association for their leadership in this area and for ensuring the value of public works investments remains in the forefront. I especially want to thank the MassDOT Highway team who I’ve had the privilege of leading for over 8 years.” 



“Administrator Gulliver exemplifies the very best of public service. His strategic vision, fiscal stewardship, and dedication to innovation have positioned Massachusetts as a national leader in transportation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “His contributions serve as a model for public works professionals nationwide, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”



“Administrator Gulliver has exemplified leadership and public service throughout his 16-year career at MassDOT, and I’m grateful to work alongside him each day,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “His steadfast commitment to safety, innovation, and community engagement has been instrumental in advancing our mission across the Commonwealth. I congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”



"Jonathan’s visionary leadership, commitment to innovation, and dedication to public service have significantly enhanced Massachusetts’ transportation network,” said Lisa Schaeffler, APWA New England Chapter President. “His dedication, expertise, and impact make him a highly deserving recipient of this award.”



Candidates are evaluated on the following criteria:




  • Profession—Significant contributions to the advancement of transportation management.

  • Leadership—Outstanding leadership and vision evidenced by employing progressive management techniques in the area of transportation management.

  • Innovation—Employment of new and innovative ideas and technology resulting in the advancement of effective transportation management.

  • Employment Achievement—Implementation of effective methods to optimize management of transportation operations.

  • Customer Service—Evidence of a high degree of satisfaction among customers and other stakeholders.

  • Community Service—Promotion of the field of transportation management in the community, agency, or customers served.

  • Sustainability—Support the advancement of sustainable contributions in public works. 



Administrator Gulliver joined MassDOT in 2009 and previously served as District 3 Highway Director and Director of District 6 Project Development. Appointed as Highway Administrator in 2017, Administrator Gulliver has overseen major projects such as the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project, the North Washington Street Bridge Replacement Project, and the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project. Under Administrator Gulliver’s leadership, municipal grant funding has expanded from $20M to $65M across programs such as the Local Bottleneck Reduction, Small Bridge, Municipal Pavement, Complete Streets, and Shared Streets and Spaces. He is the longest serving Highway Administrator in MassDOT’s history. 



MassDOT’s Highway Division plays a key role in coordinating across all levels of roadway design, construction, maintenance, and operation in the Commonwealth, including over $12.6 billion in spending over MassDOT’s 2025-2029 Capital Investment Plan. The Highway Division divides the state into six districts in order to manage the 9,599 roadway miles owned by MassDOT, which includes all interstates and limited-access freeways. The Highway Division also oversees the design and construction of municipal projects that are federally funded.



APWA serves professionals in all aspects of public works, a fact that sets it apart from other organizations and makes it an effective voice of public works throughout North America. With a worldwide membership of more than 32,000, APWA includes not only personnel from local, county, state/province, and federal agencies, but also private sector personnel who supply products and services to those professionals. Membership in APWA is open to any individual, agency, or corporation with an interest in public works and infrastructure issues.