Instructors

Qualifications and Experience of Instructors

Mid-Atlantic Public Works Institute instructors are working professionals with years of experience in the field. They are outstanding experts in their subject matter, but what truly sets them apart is that they are also expert instructors. Our talented instructors engage participants and pass their expertise on to them with practical, hands-on skills they can use right away to solve the challenges they'll face in the real world.

"Facilitators were very engaging and kept the level of interest at a level 10 the entire session. Great job!"

About Our Instructors

To ensure quality instruction, a rigorous application and selection process has been put in place to create the instruction team. Instructors will be selected by mid-July and their bios placed here for your reference.

Matt Adams

Greta Bonaparte is a Learning and Development Specialist for the Department of Public Works in the District of Columbia. She has over twenty years of experience in education administration and has held several positions in both public and private industries to include Academic Dean and Campus President. As a strong proponent of the tenets of adult education theory, in her current position, she researches, develops, and delivers Leadership and Management, and Professional Development workshops to Public Works employees that address all levels of learning style.

Rick Childs started with the City of Newport News Department of Public Works in 2010 as a Senior Equipment Operator than moved up in 2014 to Inflow / Infiltration Technician than to Training Specialist in 2015. I am certified as a VDOT Work Zone Safety, Confined Space and HAZWOPER, Red Cross and American Heart Association First aid and CPR Instructor.
 

"Awesome job! Love the real life experiences the instructors shared."

Demetria Harris joined the District of Columbia Department of Public Work(DPW) Safety & Security Administration (SSA) family in July 2022. Demetria has been employed with the District Government for 16 years. Prior to coming to SSA, Demetria worked at the Department of Public Works Fleet Management Administration as the Special Events Coordinator. Ms. Harris came to her position at SSA with a background in Facilities Management as a former Facilities Specialist with Fannie Mae Corporation prior to joining the District Government. Ms. Harris will oversee and assist all DPW agency moves, Capital Improvement Projects, respond to all facility requests, and provide support for Safety and Security. She manages the entire portfolio of assets for DPW including budgetary responsibilities. She continues to manage Contract Plow Snow Program and operations for the District during all snow events and all other agency and stakeholder requests. Ms. Harris is instrumental in being actively involved in the yearly local and regional APWA Rodeo, the DC Truck Touch and Electric Vehicle Grand Prix. Ms. Harris attended Virginia Union University and is a Certified Public Manager and Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt from George Washington University.

Judith L. Hines is the Assistant Director of Public Works for Administration for the City of Newport News, Virginia. Her career in public works spans over 40 years. She was a key management team participant in achieving APWA National Accreditation for the Newport News Public Works Department in 2003, and was also instrumental in re-accreditation in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018. She is a graduate of Christopher Newport University with a degree in business management. She is a past president of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of APWA and served as the Chapter Delegate to APWA's Council of Chapters for six years. Judi was named a Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year in 2020. Judi is a charter member of the Steering Committee for the Mid-Atlantic Public Works Institute.

Christopher Kohr, PE, is currently the Operations Manager for the Town of Leesburg, Virginia and oversees the Streets and Grounds Maintenance, Building Maintenance and Fleet Maintenance divisions. Chris obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with a Business Minor from Penn State University and a Master’s Degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. He started his career in land development and geotechnical consulting and gained field experience in heavy civil construction working on New York City infrastructure projects like the 2nd Avenue Subway and 7-Line subway extension. Chris and his wife moved to Virginia in 2013 to raise a family where he started his public service work managing building construction projects for Fairfax County. Chris joined the Town of Leesburg in 2018 and some of his responsibilities include budget management and forecasting, contract management, small construction project oversight, emergency response including snow plowing, implementation of the Town’s ADA Transition Plan and development of a work order and asset management system for Public Works.

Larado Robinson is a professional engineer has over 30 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry specializing in water and wastewater system modeling. While most of his career has been dedicated to working as a consultant engineer, he currently holds the position of Director of the Water and Sewer Department for the City of Salem Virginia, a position which he has held for over 7 years. Larado has served as Vice Chairman of American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) National Engineering Modeling and Applications Committee. Larado is a Vernon Lucy Award alum, which recognizes an individual’s sustained service and demonstrated creativity, initiative, and dedication to the work of the Engineering and Construction Division of AWWA. Larado has also had the privilege of helping develop leaders by mentoring and developing leadership programs. As Director, Larado leads a team of nearly 40 individuals to provide quality water and wastewater services to the citizens of Salem. His desire is to have a positive impact on each member of his team while helping them to become better leaders.
 

"Excellent presentations! Learned some valuable tools."

Scott Smith, PE, LS-Senior Civil Engineer, is currently licensed as a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor in Virginia and is Certified Public Works Professional and has over 33 years of experience. Scott currently serves as a Senior Civil Engineer for the City of Hampton, Public Works Department, with a primary responsibility for stormwater management. Duties involve project management of stormwater water quality, drainage improvement , water storage and runoff reduction projects. These projects will assist in the City in meeting its nutrient reduction requirements of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. Other projects reduce flooding in neighborhoods and help improve the quality of life for the citizens of Hampton. Other duties include assisting Resilience office implement the Resilient Hampton initiative, working to develop and implement adaptation and mitigation strategies in response to Climate Change.

Scott is a member of APWA and ASCE and serves on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the APWA and is Chairman of the Public Works Institute steering committee.