Former Washington alumnus receives public works recognition

Terry Cox, city manager, engineer and public works director for Harlan, was named to the American Public Works Association?s 2014 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year, the organization?s highest honor.

Cox graduated from Washington High School in Washington in 1969.

He thanks his many summers of working construction in his hometown of Washington, Iowa, for directing him to his current position.

?It?s amazing, as I grew up in southeast Iowa,? he said. ?I never would have thought of it, but I worked four summers for the city. I liked construction. I liked building things.?

Cox attended a ceremony in Toronto, where the organization recognized a total of 10 people in the United States and Canada for their work, dedication, expertise and professionalism in public works. Cox said he?s the third person in Iowa to receive the honor.

Cox is the longest-tenured city manager in Iowa. In addition to public works departments, he also oversees administration, streets, sanitation, parks and recreation, water and wastewater, Harlan Municipal Airport and the Harlan Police Department.