Announcement-APWA-R Houweling

Congratulations to Rob Houweling, Road Operations Division Manager with Sonoma County Public Infrastructure, on being honored by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Northern California Chapter as the 2025 Transportation Manager of the Year.

With more than 31 years of service, including 10 years leading road maintenance operations, Rob has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. He oversees the maintenance of 1,328 miles of county roads and has directed large-scale recovery efforts following wildfires and floods since 2017. Despite losing his own home in the 2017 Tubbs Fire, Rob continued to lead his team with resilience, ensuring critical communication and rapid response for county residents. 

In addition to managing recovery, he works closely with fire districts, law enforcement, and emergency coordinators to keep evacuation routes safe during crises.

Rob’s leadership extends well beyond emergencies. He regularly attends town halls, neighborhood meetings, and on-site assessments, earning respect from colleagues and community members alike. His commitment to collaboration has strengthened public trust and responsiveness.

Under his guidance, the division has embraced innovative tools such as GIS mapping, drone assessments, and sustainable slide-repair methods, significantly improving emergency readiness. He has also advanced fleet standardization and materials management, streamlining project delivery and enhancing efficiency.

This recognition reflects Rob’s role as a cornerstone of Sonoma County’s community safety and infrastructure resilience. He is now under consideration for the APWA’s National Transportation Manager of the Year Award.