August 6, 2024
CONTACT: Rachel Langelotti
Communications Manager
770-794-5509
MARIETTA, GA - On July 10, 2025, the City of Marietta’s Department of Public Works received two awards given at the Georgia Chapter of American Public Works Association (APWA) Annual Awards Banquet. These recognitions include one Leader of the Year award and one Project of the Year award for the State of Georgia. The Georgia Chapter APWA’s Awards Program honors outstanding public works employees, individuals, groups, and projects, representing the best achievements in the public works profession in Georgia. “I am extremely proud of our team and the dedication they bring to every project, every day. Their commitment to delivering quality work and making meaningful improvements throughout the City of Marietta is what helps make this such a great place to live and work. These state awards recognize their hard work and show that we have some of the best public works professionals in Georgia,” stated Mark Rice, the City’s Director of Public Works. The two awards received are as follows:
- The 2025 Quality of Life Project of the Year ($5M to $25M) was awarded to the Kennesaw Mountain Pedestrian Improvements Project. This project significantly improved pedestrian connectivity and public access around the Kennesaw Mountain National Park area. Spanning 3.78 miles and completed in three phases, the project links multiple existing trail networks and key trailheads along Cheatham Hill Road, Whitlock Avenue, and through the park to Old Mountain Road. This multi-agency collaboration between the City of Marietta, Cobb County DOT, and the National Park, with support from GDOT and federal funding, delivered a transformative infrastructure investment of nearly $7.8 million. The result is a safe, scenic, and accessible trail system that promotes outdoor recreation and improved mobility for residents and visitors.
- The 2025 Right-of-Way (Streets) Supervisor of the Year was awarded to Jerod Bush, Street Division Foreman III. Jerod earned this award for his exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and over two decades of dedicated service to the City of Marietta’s Public Works Department. Starting as a laborer and rising through the ranks to foreman, Jerod consistently demonstrates mastery in concrete and asphalt maintenance, equipment operation, and crew management. Known as the “go-to” expert in his field, he leads by example, fosters team success, and willingly steps into leadership roles across divisions when needed. Highly respected by both his peers and management, Jerod’s commitment to quality work, mentorship, and operational excellence makes him a standout leader and a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.