This award recognizes a person or organization that has provided a positive, far-reaching impact on public works programs, services, or policies through distinguished public service and commitment to their community and the State of Wisconsin. 

The recipient of this year’s William J. Rheinfrank Award is Paula Vandehey, Director of Public Works for the City of Appleton.

Paula’s 35 year career has been spent largely in public service working for the City of Milwaukee and the City of Appleton. Paula joined the city of Appleton 1989, first as a staff engineer, then traffic and parking engineer, Assistant City Engineer, City Engineer and currently as the Director of Public Works. Paula’s accomplishments are too many to provide you this evening, so I will just mention some highlights – some typical public works activities and some atypical.

• Working with the Dept. of Justice to provide human trafficking training for all public works employees.
• Obtaining Bike Friendly Community Silver designation from the League of American Bicyclists
• Working with Appleton’s Diversity Coordinator to provide a Dignity and Respect pledge
• Implementing an automatic recycling program for residential properties.
• Implementing a downtown mobility study
• Developing wholesale water agreements with two neighboring communities.
• Managing a diverse staff of 156 employees
• She has been involved in the revitalization of the downtown area, Southpoint Commerce Park and the US Venture Corporate Headquarters.
• Development of a formal career development plan for various groups within the Dept. of Public Works.

Paula has been active in the Wisconsin Chapter of APWA and has shared her expertise with other professional organizations such as the American Planning Association and several local universities. Paula has presented on a variety of topics to a variety of organizations. She has been a guest lecturer for several classes. Topics she has presented include, but are not limited to:

• “The Influence of the Arts on Community Development”
• “Public Works Role in Creating an Active Community”
• Bicycling and Sustainable Cities
• “Appleton’s Roundabout Journey”
• “The Softer Side if Public Works”

Paula’s preference is to make a positive impact on the community without the fanfare or recognition. Paula’s dedication to public works and to the City of Appleton has definitely provided a positive, far-reaching impact on public works programs, services, policies and people in the City and in the surrounding area.

Congratulations Paula! Pictured below.

Please consult the following documents for further information and to prepare a nomination:

• Rheinfrank Program Information
• Award Nomination Form
• Individual Supporting Data Form (to be submitted with Award Nomination Form)
  
• Organizational Supporting Data Form (to be submitted with the Award Nomination Form)
  

Past William J. Rheinfrank Award Recipients:

2021 Howard Crofoot, City of Platteville

2020  David Biebel, City of Sheboygan  

2018  Rick Eilertson, AECOM

2017  Jeff Mazanec, R.A. Smith, Inc.

2016  Maurie Rott, Cities of Janesville and Shawano

2015  Steve Pudloski,University of Wisconsin EPD

2014  Clark Wantoch, City of Milwaukee 

2013  Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

2012  John Edlebeck, City of Waupaca

2011  Tom Grisa, City of Brookfield

2010  Christine Walsh, City of Beloit

2009  North East Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium

2008  William Tarman-Ramcheck, City of Wauwatosa

2007  Daniel Lynch, City of Janesville

2006  Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership

2005  Howard Rosen, University of Wisconsin EPD

2004  Mike Barnhardt, City of Eau Claire

2003  Herb Goetsch, City of Milwaukee (Retired)