City employees honored by American Public Works Association
Published on May 29, 2025
Three City of Port St. Lucie employees — Colt Schwerdt, Director of Public Works and City Engineer; Robert Carlsen, Drainage Supervisor for Public Works; and Summer Burdick, Accreditation and Performance Manager for the Utility Systems Department — were honored recently during the American Public Works Association’s Florida Public Works Expo in Orlando.
Schwerdt was named Professional Administrative Manager of the Year for his dedicated, inspired leadership of one of Florida's most dynamic Public Works departments. The Professional Manager of the Year recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of administration in the Public Works field. With a strong engineering background, Schwerdt has served in various City roles, including Project Coordinator and City Engineer. He became Interim Director in October 2023 and was named Director of Public Works in 2024. Beyond his leadership duties, Schwerdt is an active member of the APWA Treasure Coast Branch and the Florida Engineering Society.
Carlsen was awarded the Orange Heart Medal Award, which recognizes employees who show meritorious service in emergency situations. Carlsen was honored for his efforts in launching donation drives and supply drop-off locations throughout St. Lucie County for communities affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton. The campaign sparked a wave of donations from organizations throughout the country, including a church in South Carolina that donated a trailer full of supplies to the Public Works warehouse. Carlsen identified Florida communities most in need of help and delivered supplies to the City of St. Petersburg. Carlsen also joined an APWA committee to enhance support initiatives throughout the state for future storm responses.
Burdick received the Young Leader Award, which recognizes young leaders under the age of 35. Burdick played a critical role in Utility Systems receiving full accreditation from the APWA in 2024. This accreditation formally verifies and recognizes that the agency is in full compliance with the recommended management practices set forth in APWA’s Public Works Management Practices Manual.
The Treasure Coast branch of the APWA received the President’s Award for Branch Excellence, which highlights the branch’s efforts in member services, advancements in public works and its commitment to serving the community. The City of Port St. Lucie actively engages with the APWA and the Treasure Coast Branch, with several staff members holding positions on the Executive Board.
The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services.