The Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) is a yearlong experience designed to inspire those who lead at all levels in public works. This program features a popular in-person retreat and monthly check-ins with instructors.

Academy members are divided into groups and work throughout the year to solve a public works-related challenge that they present at our PWX conference the following year.

Proving time and again that leadership happens at every level, ELA helps build a robust peer support network and offers an in-depth introduction to APWA at all levels. ELA isn't a classroom; it's a completely immersive experience and this next class will be the 20th cohort in the program's history.

It offers a chance to make lifelong connections and participate in something much bigger than yourself. Applications are open through July 6, 2026 and you can apply here.

We are excited to welcome three guests to this podcast to discuss their experiences within APWA’s Emerging Leaders Academy:

Aaron Bergeson is a public transit professional in Southern California with extensive public works project management experience. He is a recent ELA graduate (Class of 2025) who is passionate about the impact ELA can have on a professional in this field.

Susan Hann is Deputy Superintendent Facilities Services at Brevard Public Schools, with 45 years of experience in the public works profession. Sue has served as an ELA instructor from the program's beginnings. She has seen its growth in popularity firsthand.

Chad Oxton is a current ELA instructor, past graduate, and a career public works professional specializing in leadership and management based in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

Public Works Radio is hosted by Bailey Dickman, Senior Digital Marketing Specialist with APWA. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone—from the general public and elected officials to industry peers and the media. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, rate and review the show, forward it to a friend, and drop us a note at podcast@apwa.org so we can hear your feedback directly!

More Show Notes and Resources

About Emerging Leaders Academy: https://www.apwa.org/education-careers/emerging-leaders-academy/

Michael Wodke shares thoughts on the value of applying to ELA: https://youtu.be/75nNtQO23-g?si=bB5qKUH1k2z_nFx6

Aaron Bergeson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bergeson/

Susan Hann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-hann-0600b2a/

Chad Oxton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-oxton-400038120/